Weatherization and Electrification Workshop
April 30, 2024, 9 am to 1 pm
At Whitefish City Hall Council Chambers
w/ home tour 1:30 - 3pm
On Tuesday, April 30th , the City of Whitefish is putting on a Weatherization and Electrification Workshop from 9 am to 1 pm. Lunch will be provided.
“The workshop will be an excellent opportunity for homeowners to learn about reducing heating and cooling bills, contractors to improve their craft, and for everyone to find out more about federal tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements”, said Karin Hilding, City of Whitefish Engineering & Sustainability Project Manager.
Staff from the Montana Weatherization Training Center will provide information on weatherization and energy efficiency. The Montana Weatherization Training Center, based in Bozeman, has been providing training and technical assistance to the housing industry since 1991. The center is bringing a trailer to help demonstrate use of weatherization equipment. Melisa Rice, Weatherization Director for the Kalispell Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana, will provide information on the low income Weatherization Assistance Program available to Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties.
Representatives from both Flathead Electric Cooperative and Northwestern Energy will provide information on their rebate and efficiency incentives programs. Electrification innovations and incentives will be discussed by a variety of experts including Scott Mayfield, of Comfort Ready Homes, Carl Berntsen, of the National Center for Appropriate Technology, and Devin Filicicchia, of the City of Missoula. Flathead Valley Citizens’ Climate Lobby Co-leader, Robin Paone, will discuss the benefits of electrification in relation to recently adopted tax credits. Local solar contractors and utilities will set up display tables in the lobby during the workshop.
Afternoon Home Tour
In the afternoon, from 1:30 to 3 pm, there will be a tour of Blake Ringeisen’s Whitefish home. Blake is a Senior Engineer of Codes and Standards for Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA). His home is an all-electric, prefab passive home located a few miles from downtown.