Whitefish hosts weatherization and electrification workshop

The city of Whitefish is hosting a weatherization and electrification workshop on April 30.

“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, Whitefish engineering and sustainability project manager.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall. Lunch is provided. 

Staff from the Montana Weatherization Training Center will provide information on weatherization and energy efficiency. The 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 the use of weatherization equipment. 

Melisa Rice, weatherization director for Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana, will provide information on the low-income Weatherization Assistance Program available in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties. 

Representatives from Flathead Electric Cooperative and Northwestern Energy will provide information on rebate and efficiency incentive 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.  

Following the workshop, from 1:30-3 p.m., a tour of Blake Ringeisen’s home a few miles from downtown Whitefish will be offered. Ringeisen is a senior engineer of codes and standards for Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. His home is an all-electric, prefab passive home.