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make them aware that they are providing services and that their staff is available to help <br />them find ways to receive rebates and reduce usage. Ms. Youngs continued that the goal is <br />to work with the City's community development staff to engage with developers early in <br />their projects on conservation opportunities. <br />Commissioner Bell noted that schools tend to be large energy users and recommended <br />working with those customers as well. <br />Mr. Gulati explained that Frontier has a department dedicated to providing services to <br />schools. <br />Ms. Youngs shared that Frontier also works with CenterPoint Energy and Wright Hennepin <br />Cooperative Electric and has achieved good results with them. <br />Chair Dietz asked about the consequences for failing to meet mandated energy savings and <br />low-income spending. <br />Mr. Eli explained that the levels are based on a three-year average, adding that if the <br />Utilities were to miss the criteria one year it could exceed them the next year and avoid any <br />issues. <br />Chair Dietz asked for examples of penalties for missing the criteria. <br />Mr. Eli explained that penalties are more common for investor -owned utilities while <br />municipal utilities may face challenges in expanding service in the future. There was <br />discussion. <br />Mr. Hanson clarified that Frontier Energy fields commercial inquiries on rebates and <br />provides experience and expertise to serve as a resource. <br />Commissioner Stewart requested that staff provide progress updates on the CIP a few times <br />a year. <br />There was discussion about common conservation issues Frontier has seen in the field. <br />Commissioner Westgaard advised that many business owners don't understand the <br />opportunities that are available, and that ERMU and Frontier should be working with City <br />staff during the design of projects to make them aware. He added that he had questions as <br />to whether the facilities designers are considering conservation options when creating <br />plans. There was discussion. <br />Commissioner Zerwas shared his impression that it makes a lot of sense to enlist the help of <br />experts like Frontier. <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Special Meeting Minutes <br />March 12, 2024 <br />Page 2 <br />34 <br />