KEMA conducts energy audits for NorthWestern Energy’s Earth Day Event
KEMA auditors help Montana CBS affiliates become more energy efficient
As part of Earth Day week, KEMA’s client, NorthWestern Energy (NWE), asked the Montana CBS affiliates to participate in its Appraisals for Small Business program. This is a free service for all small businesses in NWE’s electric service territory with an average monthly demand of 300 kW or less.
The energy audit consists of evaluations for key building features:
- Lighting systems and controls
- HVAC systems and controls
- Water heating equipment
- Other business equipment and processes
KEMA energy auditors completed the audits onsite, which included the installation of measures like CFL’s, water-heater wraps, and low-flow aerators. Following the audits, each station received a customized detailed report, which provided simple paybacks for each retrofit type, in addition to information about all of NWE’s rebates and incentive programs.
Deb Young of NorthWestern Energy commented on the efforts:
“Special thanks to Ryan Wilkinson, John Dendy, and Jason Jones of KEMA for putting on the microphones and braving the camera and lights! Many others also contributed with suggestions/contacts for the Energy Champions, digging out information to support the media kits or reporters, and covering the work in the local office (KEMA and GO), while a few of us were out with the news teams.”
NorthWestern Energy President and CEO Bob Rowe said, “Congratulations and thanks to all of you! This was a great effort. It was good to see the coverage spread out over a number of days.”
KEMA has been providing small business audits on behalf of NWE for more than 10 years. During this time, KEMA auditors have visited more than 2,300 small businesses across Montana, including all of NWE’s own facilities within their territory. NWE is currently implementing a five-year plan to upgrade its offices and operation centers, based on specific measures recommended as a result of the audits.
Watch news stories highlighting NEW’s Earth Day event under “Related Links” (on the right).