In conjunction with Earth Day 2020, Uponor North America is pleased to announce that its Lakeville, Minn., distribution center now receives 100 percent of its electrical power from wind energy, and is the first major manufacturing customer to participate in Dakota Electric Association’s Wellspring Renewable Energy program.
Wellspring Renewable Energy subscribers pay a slight premium to purchase wind energy sold in 100 kilowatt-hour blocks. As a partner in the program since Jan. 1, 2020, Uponor will annually purchase approximately 2.2 million kilowatt-hours of wind-generated electricity, which is equivalent to powering 263 homes’ electricity use for one year.
“Wellspring provides a way for businesses to receive all their power from renewable sources without having to build infrastructure or get in the energy business,” said Dakota Electric Association President and CEO Greg Miller.  “Uponor has demonstrated its environmental commitment in a tangible way, and we are happy to assist the company in achieving its environmental goals.”
Since 2017, Uponor has worked with local utilities to purchase renewable energy blocks, increasing its renewable energy consumption in North America to 36 percent of its total energy use. Globally, Uponor continues to work towards its commitment of achieving 100 percent renewable resources to power its facilities by 2025.
“Globally, Uponor’s sustainability platform is centered on four key areas: conserve water, reduce waste, improve energy efficiency and empower labor,” said Bill Gray, president of Uponor North America. “The milestone reached at our Lakeville facility is a leap toward achieving not only our goals for improving energy efficiency in North America, but also on a global scale.
About Uponor:
Apple Valley, Minn. ̶  based Uponor North America strives to be the partner plumbing and HVAC professionals rely on for smart water and energy solutions. The company is helping to advance the construction industry through innovation, education and advocacy focusing on the defining issues of our time: water, energy and labor. A provider of PEX and PP-RCT piping systems in plumbing, residential fire sprinkler, radiant heating/cooling, hydronic piping, and pre-insulated piping systems, Uponor offers solutions for new construction, retrofits and remodels in the residential and commercial applications. Recognized for best-in-class manufacturing, sustainability, economic development and as a top workplace, the Uponor group of companies employs more than 3,800 worldwide. Uponor’s global headquarters are located in Vantaa, Finland. uponorpro.com

About Dakota Electric Association
Farmington, Minn. ̶  a customer-owned, non-profit utility since 1937, Dakota Electric Association provides electricity to more than 108,000 members throughout Dakota County and portions of Goodhue, Rice and Scott counties. Dakota Electric, a Touchstone Energy Partner, serves its member/owners with integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. dakotaelectric.com