The City of Bozeman’s Office of Sustainability has challenged residents to shave 10% off their energy usage. This significant savings will add more money to their pocketbook and taking a stand against climate change. The Bozeman Energy Smackdown was developed as a friendly community competition aimed at educating and inspiring residents to reduce their energy consumption. The Challenge evaluates energy use based upon utility bill history from Northwestern Energy, and the two biggest savers over a twelve-­‐ month period will be rewarded with a $1,000 gift card to the home improvement store of their choice.

The contest officially closes on April 16, 2014, so there is still time to enter and see how your energy usage stacks up. The City of Bozeman and their community partners encourage ALL Bozeman residents to become more cognizant of energy usage, especially during recent periods of extreme cold. The contest website (www.bozemanenergysmackdown.net) offers suggestions on weatherization methods for your home, as well as simple daily reminders such as kicking your thermometer down a notch or two and donning a sweater, or air drying your clothes.

“We are excited to see Bozeman residents becoming engaged in saving energy. With buildings generating half of global greenhouse gases, saving energy at home has a significant impact on battling climate change. The community of Bozeman has a vested interest in keeping our winters deep and our whitewater roaring,” stated Natalie Meyer, who works at the City of Bozeman as the Sustainability Program Manager.

Saving energy has a significant impact on a residential family’s pocketbook, too. If every family in Bozeman shaved 10% off of their energy bill each month, the entire community would see an annual savings of $2.6 million dollars.

In addition to the two $1000 grand prizes, generously donated by NorthWestern Energy, the City of Bozeman will also be giving away two $100 gift cards to Lowe’s. Watch for those opportunities on the City’s social media outlets on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bozemangov) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/CityofBozeman) as well as nuggets on how to reduce energy consumption in your home or business.

For more information please visit: www.bozemanenergysmackdown.net.