Update on Water Efficiency Grant Program

In 2022, the City of Ramsey was awarded $19,800 in grant funding, through the Metropolitan Council, to implement a rebate program for certain water-efficient devices.  The program went into effect July 1, 2022, and runs through June 30, 2024 (or until grant funds are exhausted if that is sooner).  Eligible replacement devices include WaterSense^® certified irrigation controllers and toilets, as well as Energy Star^® certified dishwashers and washing machines.  All City of Ramsey water customers that are current on their utility account are eligible to apply for a rebate of up to $200, per eligible device, with a maximum cap of $500 per address (rebate cannot exceed the cost of the device).  As of November 14, 2023, approximately $13,000 in rebates have been issued.  This opportunity has been promoted through the City's website, social media, Ramsey Resident, Ramsey Recycler, and on the City's dynamic display sign along Highway 10 and seems to be appreciated by residents.  Staff will continue to promote this opportunity throughout the remainder of the grant cycle to ideally fully exhaust the grant funds.

Should the Metropolitan Council offer this type of grant funding in the future, Staff would recommend submitting a new application.

This case is really meant to serve more as an update on this grant program.  However, if the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) supports this program, a motion to recommend that Staff pursue additional water efficiency grant funds, should there be another grant cycle, would be helpful.  Staff can provide an update to the EPB if this opportunity arises in the future and if there are any program changes (e.g. additional eligible devices) as well.