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Flathead Electric Cooperative
May 12 2010
Word-of-mouth carries a lot of clout in the Flathead Valley, and that includes end users and lighting contractors who share their experiences in generating cost and energy savings through lighting upgrades. Flathead Electric serves approximately 47,000 customers in this part of northwest Montana, of which 20 percent are commercial businesses.
For the past three years, the utility has worked with NW TAN to conduct trainings for lighting contractors and wholesale suppliers on the lighting calculator, new technologies, and the rebate program. “As more of these people are trained, they’re passing the word along to their customers and we’re creating more awareness for the program,” said Mike Stahlberg, Flathead’s commercial lighting manager. And one success inspires another, he continued. For example, several schools in the region have influenced each other to install lighting upgrades in their school gymnasiums.
Trade allies are seeing success as well. With participation in the program growing, Flathead Electric awarded its first Energy Advocate Award to recognize a trade ally who champions the program, advocates for efficiency and helps to educate others. Recently, the award was presented to Steve Armstrong of Platt Electric.
“Customers are excited to find out that their plan to improve their lighting will also save them energy and money,” explained Stahlberg. “Our customers are seeing improved aesthetics, improved sales, and even improved employee morale thanks to these lighting upgrades.”
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