Scholarship applications are due soon! Our 2025 Scholarship Program applications are due on Monday, February 3, 2025, by 5 PM. All applications can be found on our website at this link. If you have questions, please call our office.
Insulate Your Home, Maximize Your Savings
Ensuring your home is properly insulated can improve energy efficiency and make your home more comfortable. Insulation acts like a cozy coat that reduces heat loss during winter months and a protective layer that reduces heat gain during summer months.
Many older homes have less insulation than newer homes, but even newer homes can benefit from additional insulation. While it's not the least expensive efficiency improvement, adding insulation and air sealing your home can provide energy savings and overall comfort.
The most common areas to insulate are attics, ceilings, crawlspaces or unconditioned basements, exterior and interior walls, floors, and ductwork located in unconditioned spaces.
The amount and effectiveness rating of insulation required for each area varies by climate, but many websites like the Department of Energy or Home Depot provide easy-to-follow recommendations. Visit energy.gov/insulation to learn about recommended R-values for specific areas of the home based on climate zones.
It's important to understand how insulation effectiveness is measured. Insulation is rated in R-value, which measures the material's resistance to conductive heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value you'll need depends on factors like climate, type of heating and cooling system, and which area of the home you plan to insulate.
Insulation is offered in a wide range of materials from bulky fiberglass rolls to cellulose materials made from recycled paper products. If you're considering installing additional insulation, talk to an expert who can offer guidance on the right materials for your budget, climate, and comfort needs.
Investing in proper insulation for your home enhances comfort and reduces energy consumption.
The Future of Reliable Electricity
As our country's economy continues to grow, so does the demand for reliable electricity. Data centers, new manufacturing facilities, and our daily lives are requiring more and more electricity. In fact, U.S. power consumption is expected to rise to record highs this year and next, and the demand for electricity in the U.S. is expected to at least double by 2050.
Meanwhile, our supply of electricity is already decreasing as always-available power plants are being prematurely shut down. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has warned that 19 states could see rolling blackouts during times of high electrical usage over the next five years. We all know what happens when supply can't meet demand––prices go up, and the lights go off.
As we prepare for this rising demand, High West Energy is planning ahead to ensure local families and businesses have access to an affordable, reliable supply of electricity.
MEETING THE CHALLENGE
To meet these challenges, we utilize a balanced mix of always-available energy sources as a safeguard to maintain a reliable energy supply. We're also investing in innovative technologies to bolster grid resilience and enhance data management to improve operational efficiency, expedite outage response times, and minimize service disruptions.
As electricity demand in the U.S. continues to rise, upgrading and building new infrastructure will be critical. That's why High West Energy collaborates with other electric co-ops by pooling resources and expertise on projects that advance technology, security, infrastructure, and innovative energy sources to meet the increasing needs of our communities.
We're proud to collaborate with other cooperatives and our Generation and Transmission Association, Tri-State, to ensure we fulfill our unwavering commitment to serving our members––today and into the future. Through our partnerships and our team at High West Energy, we strive to deliver reliable and sustainable energy solutions, strengthen our competitiveness in the ever-evolving energy industry, and create opportunities for growth.
As a co-op, this collaborative approach is a core strength of High West Energy and enables us to deliver affordable energy to local families and businesses. Our priority is ensuring energy solutions are tailored to the unique needs of our community to help it thrive now and in the future.
High West Energy was built by the community it serves, providing essential services that drive growth and pave the way for an energy future that prioritizes reliable electricity at a cost local families and businesses can afford.
Director's Corner
Jessica Crowder, District 13
At High West Energy, we're committed to helping our members save money and create more energy-efficient homes and workplaces. Our rebate program makes it easier to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, reduce electricity and water usage, and lower monthly bills.
We offer rebates for residential, commercial, and industrial members on a variety of items, including evaporative cooling systems, smart thermostats, whole-house fans, clothes dryers, electric water heaters, outdoor power equipment, and more.
The process is very simple too! Members just need to submit purchase receipts for the item, and for certain rebates, photos of the installation may be required. In some cases, additional information is needed, but our team will work with you to ensure we have everything we need. Furthermore, all rebates must be requested within 90 days of the date of the receipt and upon approval, rebate checks will be issued by High West Energy.
With rising costs across the board, understanding and managing your energy use is more important than ever. By simply replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models, you can make a significant impact on your utility costs.
To learn more about our rebate program, visit our website or give us a call. Let's work together to save energy and money!
Check out the full edition of Sparks below!