Objectives

An EC teammember at workThe Montana Energy Corps was created to address unmet community energy needs by promoting sustainable energy consumption and education, fostering community sustainability and helping to mitigate the effects of global climate change. Serving as an Energy Corps member provides a unique opportunity to help others while gaining new skills and experiences. The Montana Energy Corps provides hands-on training and skills development to help design a green-collar workforce capable of meeting the needs of the future.

Hands-on Energy Assistance

To achieve direct cost savings for residents and communities as well as greenhouse gas emissions reductions, Energy Corps members work in communities with project partners such as weatherization agencies, non-profit organizations, local governments, and low-income housing groups to provide hands-on energy efficiency and alternative energy assistance. These activities may include things such as installing energy conservation and weatherization measures, helping to design, install and maintain a variety of sustainable energy systems, and implementing green practices, among other activities.

Energy Education and Outreach

energy education and outreachThrough various community outreach workshops, meetings and events, the Montana Energy Corps works to educate individuals and community groups about saving energy and money in their homes. Several energy savings strategies are available and can be easily implemented at little or no cost by individual residents armed with the correct knowledge and information. Members also communicate the effects of climate change in Montana communities and provide solutions for mitigating damaging impacts. The overarching goal of education and outreach activities is to inform and encourage individuals, families and small businesses to take proactive measures to address energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprints.

Community Energy Planning and Organizing

Community Energy Planning and OrganizingIn order to retain sustainability, momentum and action in the communities in which they are placed, Energy Corps members work to form energy action networks and organize communities to develop sustainable strategic energy plans. These activities may include things such as developing community energy task forces, identifying the role of renewable energy opportunities within a community, launching energy efficiency or renewable energy initiatives within a community and identifying community energy needs and support networks, among other activities.

Target Communities

Montana townCitizens throughout Montana's communities are struggling with their energy bills yet they are often eligible for Energy assistance or could improve their consumption by taking minor measures. Only a small percentage of qualifying homes take advantage of the available energy assistance and few have the knowledge of the steps that need to be taken to reduce consumption. The Energy Corps will asses Montana's communities that are in need and determine how the situations can be improved and seek host organizations in these communities.

Placement communities will be identified based on specific community energy needs and collaborations with partner groups to determine how an Energy Corps member can be most beneficial in a particular community. The Energy Corp program targets communities with geographic diversity that have energy assistance needs but lack organization at a community level.