2024 Impact Report
The energy world has never stood still, but these days it's moving and growing at breakneck speeds.
In the past decade, our demand for clean energy has skyrocketed, driven by consumer needs, government and utility goals, and emerging high-efficiency technologies. And by 2040, we expect even more of an uptick to keep pace with the growing demands of electrification, EVs, and data centers.
In 2024, local and national politics, supply chains, and a constantly changing world underscored the challenges and stark needs for energy-related supports that serve all people. Amid rapid field growth, a volatile economy, worker shortages, emerging technologies, and diverse building stock, cold climate regions like ours need answers built to last.
Happily, CEE’s skilled problem solvers are on the job, helping drive a clean energy transition that sees and serves everyone. We tackle this complex work with a straightforward approach: Get a handle on facts and unite behind a goal, understanding that anyone’s lasting progress depends on everyone’s teamwork.
Programs
We cut energy waste while improving comfort in homes and buildings.
Research
We explore energy advances through field analysis, modeling, and engagement.
Policy
We strive for high-impact, pragmatic solutions built to serve public interests.
Consulting
We work toward long-term, energy-saving solutions in buildings and communities.
Lending
We empower Minnesotans to upgrade efficiency and comfort at home and at work.
Market Transformation
We smooth the way for broader adoption of promising technologies.
We start with the facts.
CEE’s efforts are rooted in research and tested in the real world. Our research team investigates new energy efficiency technologies and strategies for utility programs, as well as policies that advance efficiency and public health. Our studies are further informed by our direct program and policy connections with trade allies, manufacturers, building owners, and residents.
Ductless Cold Climate Heat Pumps for Multifamily Applications
We unite behind a vision.
By design, we are connectors, collaborators, and partners. Among our key partners, CEE works with utilities; businesses; federal, state, and local government agencies; other nonprofit organizations; and communities to design and implement practical and innovative energy efficiency programs and research projects with broad impact.
Midwest Heating and Cooling Collaborative
We lean into the in-between.
Tough obstacles are rarely overcome in isolation; often it’s the complex web of connections between problems and solutions that matter most. Luckily, our in-house thought leaders thrive in that gnarly nest where policy, efficiency, and market transformation meet. From stakeholder engagement to policy development, our multipronged approach and years of earned experience have served communities in multiple markets.
Local policy development & implementation
Efficient Technology Accelerator initiatives progress
NGIA pilot programs proposed to meet Minnesota's climate goals
We plan, so we’ll succeed.
In 2024, CEE released its current five-year strategic plan, reflecting our shared mission and values and driven by CEE’s own organizational evolution and the changing world around us. Among our priorities, we commit to sustainable organizational practices and practical resources to maximize our full team’s time and skills and to attract and retain our critically important staff.
Our Reach
7,524 Home Energy visits.
To take control of your home’s energy use, start with an energy audit. Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy customers can work with Home Energy Squad, a program CEE administers for the utilities. As part of our process, we’ll connect you to contractors, financing, and rebates, and provide documentation you can use to make improvements or market your home sale.
1,227 Energy Advisor projects completed.
After you get a Home Energy Squad visit, our Energy Advisors are your go-to solution for home energy questions. Advisors are cost-free, pressure-free, and accessible across Minnesota. They’ll answer your home energy questions and connect you to financing; utility, local, state, and federal rebates and incentives; and high-quality contractors to help with improvements.
24 active research projects.
A science-based approach is foundational to everything we do at CEE. We learn best at the nexus of fundamental building science and the practical realities of running utility-funded programs. We have a unique handle on emerging tech because we engage in some of the most essential building science research on emerging technology in the country.
60+ community partnerships.
Our Communities team relies on local insights and data to advise on energy planning tailored to each community's unique goals. CEE also works with cities to provide resources and buy down the cost of home energy visits. And thanks to partnerships with many Minnesota cities, we offer several special loan, grant, and down payment assistance programs.
1,854 lighting & HVAC projects.
Working with small businesses, we make energy efficient lighting affordable with rebates covering up to 75% of total project costs. And our HVAC consultants provide guidance on cooling and heating system improvements that won’t break the bank. Additionally, our refrigeration experts can help your company improve efficiency with affordable upgrades.
2,169 home improvement loans.
Our statewide loans make it easy for homeowners in Minnesota to remodel their homes with low-interest financing. We offer statewide home energy improvement loans, solar and heat pump financing, and down payment assistance. We also partner with communities to bring residents and business owners special lending and grant programs.
126 Workforce Development graduates.
Workforce shortages are a notable barrier in energy efficiency progress, and Minnesota’s energy efficiency workforce doesn’t yet reflect the full strength of our vibrant population. To help, CEE delivers utility-funded, paid training that prioritizes welcoming women and BIPOC workers into the state’s fast-growing clean energy and energy efficiency sector.
27 reports & case studies.
As a mission-driven nonprofit, we proactively share what we’re learning. Through traditional media, social media, newsletters, blog posts, reports, case studies, and other resources we post online, we’re constantly sharing insights and rigorously tested data to inform our field, benefit people’s lives, and ultimately improve the world.
2024 REVENUE & EXPENSES
REVENUE: $34,498,699
EXPENSES: $29,971,299
Leadership
Staff Leadership
Shonda Biddle, Director, Program and Business Development
Chris Duffrin, President
Ryan Ellis, General Counsel
Kristen Funk, Senior Director, Commercial and Industrial Energy
Cindy Greenwood, Chief Human Resources Officer
Stephanie Haddad, Chief Operating Officer
Tim Hanrahan, Director, Communications
Jim Hasnik, Director, Lending Services
Emily McPherson, Director, Market Transformation Deployment
Carl Nelson, Vice President, Market Energy Solutions
Will Nissen, Director, Policy
Rebecca Olson, Vice President, Community Energy Solutions
Ben Schoenbauer, Director, Research
Isaac Smith, Director, Market Transformation Technologies
Tom Spielman, Director, Information Technologies
Judy Thommes, Director, Operations
Doug Will, Chief Financial Officer
Andrew Woodruff, Director, Training and Workforce Development
Board of Directors
Amanda Novak, Chairperson
LisaBeth Barajas, Vice Chair
Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Treasurer
Non-voting Officers of the Corporation
Chris Duffrin, President
Stephanie Haddad, Corporate Secretary