Energy
As of 2019, the end-user energy consumption in Montana was 78.9% (coal, natural gas and petroleum), 15.6% (electricity), and 5.6% (renewable energy). In Missoula, half our community’s carbon footprint is from energy use from our homes and businesses.
$97-151+
PER MONTH - RESIDENTIAL
On average, residential electricity use costs $97+/month and natural gas use costs $54+/month, with a total annual energy expense of roughly $1,174-1,822. Between October 2020 and 2021, there has been nearly 29% rate increase in natural gas. The electricity rate is over 15% lower than the national average.
$382-599+
PER MONTH - COMMERCIAL
On average, commercial electricity use costs $382+/month and natural gas use costs $217+/month, with a total annual energy expense of roughly $4,584-7,195. Natural gas rates on average have remained similar between 2020 and 2021. The electricity rate is over 9% lower than the national average.
$2,000-2,568+
PER MONTH - INDUSTRIAL
On average, industrial electricity use costs $2,000+/month and natural gas use costs $568+/month, with a total annual energy expense of roughly $24,031-30,854. Between October 2020 and 2021, there has been nearly a 35% rate increase in natural gas. The electricity rate is over 35% less than the national average.
Climate Smart Missoula’s Footprint Fund supports residential energy efficiency projects for low-income households in our community by offering the greenhouse gas emission reductions as an offset that other communities can purchase. The price of purchase can support the initial energy efficiency project costs.
1.1M+
METRIC TONS
In 2019, over 1.1 million metric tons of CO2e were accounted for in our Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. This is equivalent to 1.2 billion pounds of coal burned in one year.
DECARBONIZATION PATHWAYS FOR MONTANA
GridLab and 350.org commissioned Vibrant Clean Energy to model Montana’s options for affordable decarbonization of our energy use. The main take-away from this report is that we can achieve the greatest decarbonization, and lowest energy costs for customers, by rapidly transitioning to full electrification of energy related activities in our economy and transitioning our electricity grid to 100% renewable energy.
59%
OF ELECTRICITY & NATURAL GAS
Residential, commercial and industrial buildings contribute to 59% of the electricity and natural gas consumption in the City of Missoula. Incorporating renewable energy and energy savings measures will reduce emissions and improve the overall all health of our community and environment.
$283
SAVINGS PER YEAR
On average, a household can save $283/year or more on energy costs through weatherization programs, while increasing quality of life.
+2300
LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
There are over 2300 low-income homes in Missoula that, based on income and resource limits, are eligible for weatherization services through the State.
MEMORANDUIM OF UNDERSTANDING
(MOU)
The City of Missoula and Missoula County entered into an MOU with NorthWestern Energy to increase the amount of renewable energy that serves our communities, which will support us in achieving the joint goal of 100% Clean Electricity by 2030 for the Missoula urban area.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CONTRACT
The City of Missoula has contracted with McKinstry, a building efficiency company, to identify and implement energy conservation actions for existing buildings and facilities owned/operated by the City of Missoula to make progress toward our ambitious goal of carbon neutrality in municipal operations by 2025.
ELECTRIFY MISSOULA
Electrify Missoula in a partnership between the City of Missoula, Climate Smart Missoula, and Missoula County that is focused on supporting our community’s transition to highly efficient, all-electric buildings that can be powered entirely by electricity from renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. This transition can not only dramatically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, but it will also increase the health and comfort of our residents, making them more resilient to the increased heat and smoke we expect from our changing climate. To learn more about upgrading to, or designing, highly efficient all-electric buildings, visit Electrify Missoula.
- 100% Clean Electricity - learn more about the projects/programs supporting our clean electricity goal
- Electrify Missoula - switch to all electric for your home or business; powered by clean, renewable energy
- Energy Bill Assistance - apply for assistance for you high energy bill or furnace emergency
- Energy Smart Missoula - reduce your energy use at your home or business
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories - review our municipal and community emissions reports and discover how we are working to reduce our climate impact
- Missoula Footprint Fund - offset your carbon footprint and support your community
- Solar Smart - power your home or business with solar
- Weatherization - weatherize your manufactured home to reduce heating/cooling expenses
WANT TO GO SOLAR?
Over half of the buildings in Missoula have roofs that are ‘solar-viable’, with the potential to generate as much energy as the equivalent of 15,000 homes every year. You can use programs like National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator to assess your solar potential or visit the Montana Renewable Energy Association learn more about how to go solar.
HOW EFFICENT IS MY HOME?
The energy used to power our homes is one of the top sources of greenhouse gas emissions from our city. When your home is inefficient, it can take much more energy to heat and cool, as well as to operate your appliances. You can get a better sense of your home’s efficiency by requesting a free and virtual home energy audit from NorthWestern Energy. This is a great way to understand what upgrades can reduce your energy use, your energy bills, and increase your home health and comfort.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY INCENTIVIZED
There are a wealth of options available to support upgrades to highly efficient, all-electric buildings. NorthWestern Energy and Missoula Electric Cooperative each offer some rebates and incentives for improving energy efficiency in your home, and these can be complemented by new rebates and tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). If you want to explore what IRA incentives you may qualify for, visit Rewiring America for their easy-to-use calculator.