MREA Promotes Renewable Energy

Homeowners, businesses and institutions could take better advantage of Montana’s abundance of renewable energy resources – wind, solar, geothermal and biomass power.

The Montana Renewable Energy Association, which organized in November 2000 in Butte, hopes to expand the use of renewable energy technologies; affect public policy in favor of renewable energy; and educate and inform residents about the benefits and uses of renewable energy.

"We feel strongly that now is the time to bring more focus on the development of renewable energy in Montana," says Dave Ryan of Butte, president of the association.

"The opportunity to take advantage of renewable energy has never been better. We formed the Association to better work together to promote renewable energy. The benefits of energy conservation, efficient use of energy, and renewable energy generation include the better quality of life for everyone, economic development, saving natural resources and reducing pollution.

"By working together, we can increase the use of renewable sources of energy and decrease their cost. If we are effective, we can bring the benefits of renewable energy to everyone in the state."

Ryan, energy engineer at National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) in Butte and a strong renewable energy advocate, was elected to head the association by a nine-member board of directors that met for the first time on Nov. 29, 2000. He continues to serve as the organization's president.

Current Officers: President Dave Ryan, NCAT; Vice President Chris Borton, co-owner of Sage Mountain Center; Treasurer Chris Daum, owner of Oasis Montana Inc., an alternative energy supply and design company based in Stevensville; and Secretary Patrick Judge, Energy Efficiency Advocate for the NW Energy Coalition.

The MREA Board of Directors is made up of nine directors who are elected to two-year terms. Current members of the board and the businesses or agencies they represent are:

• Dave Ryan (NCAT, Butte), President
• Chris Borton (Sage Mountain Center, Whitehall), Vice President
• Chris Daum (Oasis Montana, Stevensville), Treasurer
• Patrick Judge (NW Energy Coalition, Helena), Secretary
• Tom Bishop (Sunelco, Victor)
• Conor Darby (Independent Power Systems, Bozeman)
• Rip Hamilton (Solar Plexus, Missoula)
• Jackson Isbell (Solar Montana, Helena)
• Kathi Montgomery (MT DEQ, Helena)

MREA is a private, non-profit public benefits corporation.

Download the Montana Renewable Energy Association brochure (PDF), including membership application.

For more information, contact MREA at:

Montana Renewable Energy Association
2910 Floral Blvd.
Butte, MT 59701
Phone: (406) 494-0930

News!

MREA President Gives Testimony in Support of USB
Dave Ryan, president of the Montana Renewable Energy Association, presented testimony to the Public Service Commission on July 16, 2008, in support of continuing the Universal Systems Benefits (USB) program. Read the full testimony.

MREA and OSHA Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement
The Montana Renewable Energy Association and the US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration have executed a Strategic Partnership Agreement to ensure workplace safety in the growing renewable energy industry in Montana . The MREA is attempting to foster a safer working environment for themselves and their member companies.

The purpose of the partnership is to prevent the four major hazards (falls, electrical, caught in/between and struck-by hazards) that account for the majority of fatalities and injuries in the construction industry. This partnership will focus on improving the safety and health programs of the MREA and their Participating Member companies and strive to eliminate hazards in the targeted areas.

Read the full story.
See the Agreement.

MREA and OSHA sign strategic partnership agreement. Pictured are Ross Yeager, Director of the OSHA Billings Office, Christopher Borton of Sage Mountain Center (Vice President of MREA), Tom Bishop of SUNELCO, Conor Darby of Independent Power Systems, Steven Aagenes of In-Solar, Orion Thornton of Independent Power Systems, and David Ryan of NCAT (President of MREA).

ACEEE Offers Consumers Help to Reduce High Heating Bills
Last week the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected this winter's heating bills to be dramatically higher than last year. The crunch is due to tight production capacity, weak petroleum inventories, and high worldwide fuel demand, plus predictions of a winter 2% colder than average. By acting now, consumers can save money, improve their comfort, and protect the environment with simple energy-saving measures. In cold climates, even deeper savings can be realized in many regions by investing in energy-efficient heating equipment that will reduce energy bills now and long into the future.

ACEEE suggests that consumers take these "top ten" steps to get ready for winter:

1. Seal air leaks in ceilings/attic floors, at baseboards and electric outlets in exterior walls, and around exterior windows and doors.
2. Seal leaky air ducts at joints, starting at the furnace air handler, and insulate ducts that run through unheated basements or attics.
3. Hire a professional to tune up existing heating equipment, including changing air filters.
4. Turn off lights, and home office and entertainment equipment when not in use.
5. Install an ENERGY STAR-rated thermostat and program it to set back temperatures when you are asleep or away.
6. Insulate hot water pipes leading from your water heater, and install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
7. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
8. Consider replacing an old refrigerator, clothes washer, or water heater.
9. Check your attic insulation and consider improving the R-value to R-38.
10. Invest in energy-efficient, right-sized heating equipment with the help of a good contractor.
More...

Hill County Conservation District Holds Natural Resource Day
The Hill County Conservation Districtfs Natural Resource Day for students was held April 26, 2007. The event is held annually to educate area fifth graders on agriculture and natural resources. MREA's Dave Ryan led a session on renewable energy, using the MREA trailer as a hands-on learning tool. Read more.

MREA Solar Energy Demonstration Trailer Available
The MREA solar energy demonstration trailer is available for showing at fairs, trade shows, or other events. The trailer is equipped with solar and wind electric-generation systems, and has a misting system to provide cooling on hot summer days. If you would like to use the trailer to demonstrate solar and wind electricity, or to provide temporary power at a remote location, call MREA at 406-494-0930. A donation will be required. See the trailer!

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