Suburban ice rinks around Twin Cities happy with geothermal savings

Suburban ice rinks around Twin Cities happy with geothermal savings

Suburban metros located around the Twin Cities are experiencing significant savings thanks to recent investments in geothermal heating and cooling technology.

The Woodbury Bulletin reported that construction on the energy-saving technology was completed in 2010 in Woodbury, and since then, the city and its residents have benefited from a reduction in utility costs.

The multi-million dollar investments in geothermal heating and cooling technology has paid large dividends. The Star-Tribune reported that the adoption of the systems is being credited with reducing expenditures by about $100,000 in annual energy savings in Woodbury alone.

According to the news source, the other three rinks that received the upgrade have experienced savings as well. Eagan’s natural gas bill has decreased from $68,000 in 2009 to $6,100 in 2012. This reduction in operational costs is due to the installation of a geothermal heating and cooling unit in 2010. Brooklyn Park saved about $90,000 annually since the installation.

“The contract we signed stipulated we had to receive a minimum of $60,000 in savings annually in order to feel successful,” Steve Lawrence, central service superintendent for Brooklyn Park, told the news source. “If we did not realize the savings, they would write us a check. Much to our delight, our savings have been ranging from $70,000 and $90,000.”

A geothermal heating and cooling system uses the solar energy stored within the earth to keep the temperature of a structure consistent throughout the year. This allows for a reduction in heating and cooling costs because the utility system is never required to burn more energy to produce comfort. Communities and commercial and residential properties can see utility savings year-round with an investment in geothermal technology.