Minnesota Power granted $1,500 to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch to purchase LED lightbulbs for its Bismarck campus. The grant will help the Ranch convert the interior fluorescent ceiling lights to energy savings LEDs.
While LED bulbs cost more than traditional fluorescent lights, they last longer and are more energy-efficient. LED lights are up to 80% more efficient. 95% of the energy in LEDs is converted to light and only 5% wasted as heat—compared to fluorescent lights which convert 95% of energy to heat and only 5% into light.
LED lights draw less power which results in energy savings for the Ranch, reduces the demand from power plants, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. LED lights are also beneficial, especially in the treatment facility setting, because they contain no toxic elements. If bulbs are broken, the Ranch doesn't have to worry about noxious chemicals affecting staff or residents.
The Ranch is committed to creating a sustainable environment, and to finding ways to save money so dollars can be redirected to the care and treatment of the children we serve.
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves. In addition to Residential Treatment Facilities in Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot, the Ranch provides Outpatient Psychiatric and Psychological Services, and Spiritual Life Program. Our on-campus school, Dakota Memorial School, provides a personalized education for kids who have psychiatric, behavioral, and trauma issues.
Minnesota Power has a long history of supporting organizations that focus on improving the health and vitality of communities in their service areas.