A fresh approach to energy

New programs save members money

Small action can lead to big change. Just ask those members who participated in the new Wi-Fi PowerNap® Air Conditioning and Peak-Time Rebate programs last summer. By making a few changes, most saved energy and lowered their electric bills.

What are the changes that can result in credits on your bill? They are as simple as shutting off unnecessary lights and appliances during certain times or allowing us to control air conditioners through your Wi-Fi thermostat for a couple of hours.

The two energy-efficiency programs focus on conservation and help reduce our need for electricity during peak times. Peak demand for electricity is usually in the early evening on hot days when most people come home and the demand for electricity is high. By reducing your energy usage during those times, we reduce the need for more energy and additional infrastructure (power plants, etc.), which in turn lowers costs.

Our new and innovative battery storage facilities in Ramsey and Athens Township also help reduce costs. Solar plus battery storage gives Connexus the ability to save the power that the solar panels produce and use that power at times when electricity demand is at its peak. “We are encouraged by our results,” said Connexus Energy CEO Greg Ridderbusch. “In the first nine months of operation, the batteries are performing as we expected.”

Interested in joining the thousands of other Connexus members who are already enjoying the benefits of our innovative energy-efficient programs? Get more information on the Wi-Fi PowerNap and Peak-Time Rebate programs at connexusenergy.com.

Your community, your choice

Fur-Ever Home Rescue from Zimmerman is one of the recent recipients of a $1,000 donation through our Your Community, Your Choice program. With this online-based program, you choose which local organizations receive our support.

Co-op cuisine

Harvest Pumpkin Dip

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 15 oz can pumpkin
• Apple and pear slices
• Graham crackers and vanilla wafers

Preparation:
Beat first five ingredients until blended. Gradually beat in pumpkin until smooth. Serve with your choice of apple or pear slices, graham crackers, or vanilla wafers. Refrigerate leftovers.

Community Calendar

Driver Improvement Program 55+
November 14
December 11
To pre-register, call 1.888.234.1294
Sponsored by St. Cloud State University
Held at Connexus Energy

Connexus Energy CEO, Greg Ridderbusch, had the opportunity to be invited for the second year in a row to attend the Berlin Seminar in July.

Hosted by the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment and funded through a grant from the German government, the annual Berlin Seminar on Energy Policy is a unique opportunity for leaders in government, business, academia, and the nonprofit sector from both Germany and the U.S. Upper Midwest to share information and perspectives on how to best achieve a renewable energy future.

The theme of this year’s seminar is Energy Transition 2.0: The 20-some delegates invited to attend viewed showcase examples in the North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin/Brandenburg regions that demonstrated the benefits of looking at energy in a comprehensive fashion and connecting renewable energy generation with other sectors, including buildings, transportation, industry, and agriculture.

Minnesota has been exchanging best practices in energy and sustainability with Germany since 2011 through various programs hosted by the Institute on the Environment. Minnesota’s 2013 solar energy legislation, which is enabling strong growth in the deployment of solar energy plants across the state, is among the outcomes prompted by the exchange. Another outcome relates to the ongoing conversation in the state about opportunities and challenges in Minnesota’s own energy transition; having access to insights from the architects of Germany’s transition, along with multi-partner collaboration, allows for more robust solutions in Minnesota.

Connexus Energy is proud to be a part of such a fantastic opportunity as we move toward even more renewable energy in the future for our members.

Everything Under the Sun

Bees, Butterflies, and Batteries

During National Pollinator Week in June, Connexus Energy members were invited to Everything Under the Sun, a special event focusing on our efforts to help the pollinator population. The event held at Ramsey Renewable Station, was also an opportunity for members to see our new solar plus battery storage facility up close.

Connexus Energy CEO Greg Ridderbusch announced the Connexus campus in Ramsey is now powered by 100% renewable energy. Connexus is committed to cost-competitive, renewable energy sources.

It wouldn’t be a pollinator event without bees and honey. Connexus was the first in the country to put bee apiaries in its solar gardens.

2019 Connexus Energy Scholarships

Connexus Energy invests in the education of our youth. In 2019, we donated $58,000 in scholarships to our local high schools.
Congratulations to all the grads!

Andover High School Lucy Anderson | Matthew Brodeur | Ryan Hagle | Jack Slavik
Anoka High School Marita Hass | Amanda Li | Ashley Pugh | Samantha Thomas
Becker High School Lexa Hosier | Sawyer Hietala
Big Lake High School Joseph Fussy | Dylan Harbaugh | Emma Polacec | Alize Schumacher
Blaine High School Callie Anderson | Joseph Bensing | Ryan Riedel | Cara Shepard
Cambridge-Isanti Crystal Colbaugh | MollyAnn Harvey | Mariah Thesing
Centennial High School Madeline Fidler | Arcadia Langmead | Elvir Semic
Champlin Park High School Anna Heltemes | Emma Ockuly | Audrey Whitman
Coon Rapids High School Morgan Coffeen | Jazmyn Davis | Sidney Deitz | Max Dunlop
Elk River High School Colt Dusbabek | Nathaniel Gfroerer | Kayden Hendrickson
Forest Lake High School Autumn Schuldt | Shawn Smith
Ivan Sand Community School Lyric Minerich
Legacy Christian Academy Nia Baker | Lindsey Smitsdorff
Pact Charter School Elsie Nudd
Princeton High School Kelsey Andersen | Grace Bistodeau
Spectrum High School Fisher Marberg
Spring Lake Park High School Lauren Chan | Sophia Park | Brenna Rea
St. Francis Christian School Marcale Palm
St. Francis High School Jacob Donahue | Kayci Huttner | Kristen Nathe
STEP Alternative High School Ethan Bailey | Michelle Martinez
White Bear Lake High School Jeremy Beckler | Kaitlyn Berwald | Anna Lee
Zimmerman High School Sydney Hicks | Noah Nelson

If you are interested in applying for a Connexus Energy scholarship, please contact your high school directly.

Coming in August!

Co-op cuisine

Greek Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 seedless cucumber, sliced
• 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup chopped Kalamata olives
• 3 tbsp minced fresh parsley
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 cup creamy vinaigrette dressing
• 1 lb bow tie or penne pasta

Preparation:

In bowl combine tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, parsley, and onion. Blot cucumber dry on paper towel before adding to salad.
Cook pasta according to directions. Cool, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking.
Combine pasta and salad fixings in a large bowl. When ready to serve, add the dressing and toss. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
Serves 12-16

Community Calendar

Driver Improvement Program 55+
September 20
October 15
To pre-register, call 1.888.234.1294
Sponsored by St. Cloud State University
Held at Connexus Energy