The City of Colton has completed all project construction at city facilities in becoming the State of South Dakota's first Energy Independent Community (EIC).  A 100% Recovery Act funding  grant through the U.S. Department of Energy and S.D. Department of Energy allowed Colton to become the first city within the state to subsidize and offset electricity consumption at all city facilities by the use of small wind and solar hybrid system technology. In addition to producing a majority of the increased electrical energy demand now required to power upgraded city operations through renewable energy, grant funds have been utilized to increase the energy efficiency at city facilities with improved insulation, upgraded doors and windows, radiant heat sources, upgraded electrical services and improved efficiency lighting. The project drastically improved the viability and energy efficiency of city facilities, and effectively doubled city shop square footage without increasing electrical energy costs.