REPUBLIC - Jerry Graser has been hired to coordinate new Heat Energy Assessment Team Project of Washington State University Extension for Ferry County.
     "Heating energy losses affect all of us, whether it is from using excess electricity, or burning more propane, oil, pellets or wood then necessary," an extension announcement said. "It affects our family budgets and carbon loading into the atmosphere."
     The HEAT Project, in collaboration with Ferry County Public Utility District, will provide free assistance to county residents and those in neighboring counties in the PUD service area. The project will help people identify and prioritize energy losses in their homes, businesses and agency buildings.
     Extension Agent Dan Fagerlie will direct the project.
     Graser has a long history of work with energy conservation, assessment, energy education and renewable resources, and has local climate and regional knowledge, the announcement said.
     The HEAT Project will use a thermal imaging camera, blower-door technology, and other tools to conduct on-site assessments to help identify energy losses and provide education on weatherization funding or rebate assistance or tax credits.
     The project is funded through Bonneville Power Administration and provided through the PUD's revolving loan and grant fund.
     In addition, the PUD will use the equipment to identify overheating transformers, substation equipment and other electrical problems before they cause a power outage, the announcement said.
     "This will help keep power on for residents, since we do not have a second source of power into the county, and will also increase safety as it will identify transformers in need of repair or replacement before they fail catastrophically," the PUD said.
     Signup sheets for free energy checkups are available at the PUD and extension offices, or in the extension office in the basement of the courthouse. Graser can be reached at 775-5235.