Years-old decisions, as part of energy initiative, cut costs

Royalton uses green methods to save on city energy bills

Aug. 29, 2013 - Royalton has just 1,242 residents but some big ambitions when it comes to saving energy.

The small city about 20 miles north of St. Cloud is reaping savings from solar panels installed on the roof of City Hall about three years ago. The city also switched its traffic signal to long-lasting LED bulbs that use less electricity. And city officials are discussing installing a wind turbine.

Observers say in many ways, Royalton is a typical Minnesota town that is demonstrating how even small cities can be innovative and take advantage of opportunities to cut energy costs and become more “green.” Particularly for small cities, demonstrating the financial as well as an environmental benefits of these efforts seems to be key to gaining public support. read more>>>