[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 20, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E869]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING EVER-GREEN ENERGY AND DISTRICT ENERGY ST. PAUL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 20, 2023

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate two 
anniversary celebrations. This month, District Energy of Saint Paul 
will mark its 40th anniversary, and its subsidiary Ever-Green Energy, 
will mark its 25th year of providing heating and cooling to downtown 
Saint Paul and the nearby West Side neighborhood. For years, these 
organizations have demonstrated a path to sustainable energy deployment 
by heating and cooling hundreds of buildings, from homes to hotels, 
offices to sports venues, and more. Their deep knowledge of energy 
system management has allowed them to promote energy conservation and 
dependable heating and cooling services to their customers and--just as 
important--a path forward on a climate-resilient future.
  Founded in 1983 as a public-private partnership, the nonprofit 
District Energy works with the City of Saint Paul, the Saint Paul Port 
Authority, and local business leaders to benefit our community. 
District Energy manages the largest hot water district system in North 
America, featuring biomass-fired cogeneration, thermal storage, and 
solar thermal technology, sending hot water and chilled water 
throughout their network of over 200 buildings, including commercial, 
light industrial, and residential areas. This approach, which is rare 
in the United States, was championed by Saint Paul Mayor George 
Latimer, as a cleaner and more price-stable alternative to natural gas 
during the 1970s oil crisis.
  In addition to excellent service, District Energy provides great 
value and exemplary energy efficiency. In 2011, District Energy 
launched the largest solar hot water installation in the country, and 
in 2019, they ended their use of coal. By 2050, they plan to achieve 
carbon neutrality by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 7 
percent annually. Even the United Nations has taken note, recognizing 
District Energy as 1 of just 3 American systems achieving global 
standards for best practices. Now, District Energy customers pay less 
for energy today than they did 40 years ago.
  Ever-Green Energy was founded in 1998, as a for-profit subsidiary of 
the nonprofit District Energy. Ever-Green Energy brings District 
Energy's expertise to not only the management of their operations but 
also allows other communities to employ their expertise by hiring them 
as consultants for new renewable energy projects. Ever-Green Energy 
manages 10 utility systems, assists communities in developing plans to 
meet their climate and carbon reduction goals, helps optimize energy 
systems, and more. In addition to being good for the planet this 
strategy is good for the residents of Saint Paul who enjoy low rates 
offset by the consulting revenue that subsidizes Ever-Green Energy's 
local operations.
  Throughout their years of operation, District Energy and Ever-Green 
Energy have demonstrated a spirit of innovation and relentless progress 
combined with true expertise and sound management. Their operations 
have won praise from all over the world as well as the appreciation of 
our entire Saint Paul community.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the anniversary of 2 
organizations that not only provide heating and cooling for so many in 
Saint Paul but also help the rest of the world to become a little 
greener.

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