ENTERPRISE — A standing committee on the Community Energy Strategic Plan agreed Monday, March 3, that getting the word out about what Wallowa County residents can do to weatherize their homes to save energy is a top priority for now.

The CESP had initially looked at creating microgrids in various areas of the county as a major feature of the plan, but the technology isn’t yet available and other roadblocks stand in the way of making a major push for them at present.

But the microgrids aren’t being forgotten, said county Commissioner John Hillock, who met with the panel.

“Thats looking into the future on the energy plan,” he said.

Hillock, an electrician who owns Enterprise Electric, is knowledgeable about such things.

Initially, the CESP looked at a microgrid based on biomass in the Wallowa area, one based on solar power near Enterprise and another based on hydropower near Joseph. All three have hit roadblocks.

For now, however, the priorities will be to inform the public and seek grants or loans from the Energy Trust of Oregon to assist homeowners with weatherization projects.

Some present were concerned about power outages that hit the county on occasion. Lori Wyman of Pacific Power and Light attended via Zoom and assured the committee that power shutdowns only happened in emergencies. She noted that when weather brings down trees that hit power lines it’s only practical to shut down the power to prevent a wildfire.

She said there is a three-man crew in the area that works to restore power as soon as possible. No one on the committee expressed doubt in the quality of PP&L’s equipment or crew. But they did understand that the small crew had its hands full when the weather turned foul.

While PP&L offers some advice and assistance on weatherization, theirs isn’t free either. Hillock said assistance from the Energy Trust of Oregon may help.

The committee agreed that since work can’t begin yet on the microgrids, weatherization should be the top priority. New windows, doors, insulation and roofs can be of the greatest benefit.

“That’s the best bang for the buck,” one person said.

Jenna Smith, who chaired the meeting, suggested recommendations on weatherization and informing the county on ways to do it might be the best suggestions to add to a letter to the commissioners. Several members discussed how to compile such a letter and Mike Mercer agreed to take the point on that.

There also was discussion of attracting volunteers to help with weatherization work. It was suggested to invite Energy Trust to hold workshops on weatherization work.

It also was suggested to hold a public meeting at the Cloverleaf Hall to continue the public education process about what is available and the latest products.

“There’s lots of things that you can do” to teach people, Hillock said. “What’s a good window, what’s bad window? I mean, well, you know, and it’s important that when we communicate, the education, but first to get people there.”

He noted that it’s quite a basic motive for people to weatherize their homes and save energy.

“You know, it’s really about how do I save money?” he said. “I mean, make it so it’s self-interested, rather than, you know, this altruistically and we’re going to save the world, or whatever it happens to be. I mean. I love altruism, too, but I know what people actually move toward is self-interest. And so everybody wants to save money.”

One concern expressed was getting the word out about such a public meeting.

“Since we don’t have the Chieftain anymore, we have to find another way,” Hillock said.

He suggested posting a notice of such a meeting on the county’s website. Others suggested a kiosk or flyers at the courthouse.

Hillock said the committee plans to meet in April to put together a letter that will inform the Board of Commissioners that members have thoroughly read the CESP and include any suggestions for changes they deem appropriate.