Heating energy losses affect all of us whether it is from using excess electricity, or burning more propane, oil, pellets, or wood then necessary. It affects our family budgets and carbon loading into the atmosphere. As a local response to this, WSU Ferry County Extension has launched the HEAT (Heat Energy Assessment Team) Project in collaboration with Ferry County PUD. This project is to provide free assistance to Ferry County residents, and residents in neighboring counties in the Ferry County PUD service area, to identify & prioritize energy losses in their home, business’s or agency buildings.
The new project is directed by Dan Fagerlie, is operating out of the Extension office in the Ferry County Courthouse, and has hired Jerry Graser to coordinate the new Heat Energy Assessment Team program. Jerry’s long history of work with energy conservation, assessment, energy education, and renewables, and his local climate and regional knowledge, makes him a great choice for this program.
The HEAT project will use a thermal imaging camera, blower-door technology, and other tools to conduct onsite assessments in helping identify energy losses and provide education of weatherization funding or rebate assistance or tax credits as they are or become available. The HEAT Project is funded through BPA provided through the Ferry County PUD Revolving Loan & Grant Fund, and will coordinate with the Ferry County PUD in use of the camera and delivery of project goals. The PUD will utilize the equipment to identify overheating transformers, substation equipment, and other electrical problems before they cause a power outage. This will help keep power on for residents since we do not have a second source of power into the county, and will also increase safety as it will identify transformers in need of repair or replacement before they fail catastrophically.
Sign up sheets for a free energy checkup are available at the PUD and WSU Ferry County Extension office, or stop by the office at the basement of the courthouse or call to sign up or for more information to leave a message for Jerry at (509) 775-5235.