Businesses demand energy efficiency programs

Jan. 1—The Flathead County Commissioners reiterated last week that they prefer a “wait and see” approach to implementing an energy efficiency-focused financing program after receiving a letter from local businesses urging them to reconsider.

Applied Materials and Glacier Bank were among the 27 companies that signed the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce petition. Logan Health, Flathead Electric Cooperative (Northwest Montana Association of Realtors), Immanuel Lutheran Communities and Logan Health also signed. After local businesses had failed to express their interest in C-PACE implementation in the county, commissioners told the group that they had never heard anything from them.

Republican Governor. Greg Gianforte signed it into law in 2021. This program is designed for financing energy-saving capital investments on commercial property.

C-PACE allows property owners to match with private lenders. Private lenders are reimbursed from funds saved due to energy efficiency improvements during the life of the project.

Steven White, County spokesperson, said that no lobbying by the chamber has changed the minds of the commissioners. White described the letter writing campaign by business representatives to be “complaining.”

White stated that if business owners contact Commissioner Brad Abell with capital investment ideas and the benefits they see, he may listen.

White stated that Pam Holmquist, the commissioner, and Randy Brodehl, the deputy commissioners, still want the program to be implemented at the municipal level.

The Kalispell City Council expressed interest in moving forward, and it passed a resolution of intention to implement the program at its December 19 meeting.

However, businesses outside of the city would need to wait for the county’s approval to be able to participate.

Phil Aitkin, the owner of Hooper’s Garden Center is interested in upgrades that are C-PACE eligible. However, his business is located east Kalispell and within the county. Aitkin would like to install a climate control system at the garden center’s 40,000-square foot retail greenhouse to allow it to host events during the off-season. He also has ideas for winter farmers’ markets that could be a benefit to local vendors. The space sits empty much of the time.

Aitkin stated that the financing program would allow him to make the necessary changes.

“[The upgrades] It would be much easier to do with this program in effect,” he stated.

Lorraine Clarno, the Chamber President, also spoke publicly during the Dec. 20 meeting of this commission.

Commissioners were told by her that she had collected all the supporting signatures within 48 hours. In a recent interview, she stated that Flathead’s business community is open to C-PACE implementation.

Clarno reminded commissioners at the meeting how many business owners can benefit from C-PACE financing options.

Clarno explained, “Knowing that when we send out a letter we are representing 700 companies.”

Clarno also stated that she hasn’t received any response from the board since. Clarno described their silence as “frustrating”.

Clarno said that Flathead businesses are now at a disadvantage to those in other states and counties.

Adam Gill, state’s C–PACE program administrator, said that at least eight Montana counties had already signed up, along with 38 other states with similar programs.

Gill approached the commissioners first in the summer, and he followed up in October after he heard that C-PACE was being sought locally.

Clarno stated that the program was known by the commissioners as early as March.

Gill said that while he understands the hesitance shown by commissioners, he also has the answers to any questions they may be having about the program.

White answered that they were protecting the taxpayers and county when he was asked about the specific objections of the commissioner.

C-PACE’s structure is private-funded, so there is no public liability or tax. Gill emphasizes this fact in the information sessions that he offers for public officials. Gill estimates that the process of setting up a C–PACE district takes anywhere from one to three hours per year, with no other costs to local governments.

White stated that Gill was not contacted by the commissioners to provide more information.

Gill stated that he is always available to help the county if the commissioners make a change.

Clarno believes commissioners will pay a political cost if they ignore business interests.

Clarno said, “I believe they are choosing to not listen. If that continues they might get on the wrong end of the business community.”

Adrian Knowler is a reporter and can be reached by calling 758-4407 [email protected].