As winter approaches, rural communities in the West face the on-going challenge of keeping their homes warm while managing energy costs. With big temperature swings, it's helpful for families to explore energy-efficient heating options that suit this unique climate. Here’s our favorite tips to get the most out of your current heating system

Every farm has a story, and that story often has a distinct before-and-after moment of when the farm gained electricity. For many across the rural west, that moment was in the 1940s and 50s after the Rural Electrification Act took effect and member-owned electric cooperatives emerged to bring reliable and affordable electricity to their communities. For Mammoth Farms, that moment happened in 2018.   

Summer may get more attention when it comes to outdoor get-togethers but with an autumn party, you can trade the mosquitoes, thunderstorms, and hot nights for crisp evenings and changing leaves. The cooling temperatures also mean a chance to optimize your energy use, reduce your bill and save some money heading into winter.

With April being National Geothermal Month, it’s a perfect time to delve into the process of installing GHPs, their benefits, what climates are the most suitable and how businesses can take advantage of rebates to offset costs while contributing to a greener future. 

Power management matters to two kinds of people: those who pay utility bills and environmentally conscious individuals. If you fall into one, or hopefully both, of those categories, here are a few tips for mastering energy efficiency with some home upgrades.  

There’s nothing better than enjoying creature comforts during the winter chill. Staying warm is a big part of that, but it comes at a price if your home isn't optimized for cold weather. This winter, consider some smart ways to conserve energy, save money, and transform your home into an energy-efficient oasis with these helpful tips

There’s nothing like relaxing outside and soaking up the fresh air, but sometimes our yards need a little work before we can fully enjoy them. Don’t sweat it, with the help of a few tools you’ll have your yard summer-ready in no time.  

Even if you don’t own a small business, you likely know someone who does. They’re the lifeblood of our rural communities, from the neighborhood barber to the downtown coffee shop. Whether you’re the owner or a loyal patron, running a business is a lot of work. Small business owners do it all, and that often includes maintenance that can help reduce energy costs. Our Energy Saving Maintenance Checklist for Small Businesses is a good place to start if you're working on your list of to-dos.

Not all spuds are created equal. In fact, more than 1,000 varieties of potatoes are grown across the globe but there’s only one type suitable for potato chip production. Tri-State caught up with the crew at Walther Farms in Lisco Nebraska, a third-generation, family-owned chipping potato business operating in eight states. 

Many people are still learning about the benefits of heat pumps and what they can do. Heat pumps are especially beneficial in cold weather climates. A heat pump is part of a home heating and cooling system and is installed outside the home. Here are five main types of heat pumps