STORY BY ANDREW MENTZER

PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Blaine County has been named one of only three government recipients of the 2024 Idaho Award for Leadership in Energy Efficiency. The award is presented by the Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources.

This recognition celebrates the County’s significant achievements in reducing energy consumption and improving the performance of its facilities.

Over the past several years, the Blaine County Facilities Department, in close collaboration with the Sustainability Department, has successfully lowered the County’s natural gas consumption by approximately 25 percent while improving electrified system efficiency across the board.

These gains were made possible through strategic investments in high-efficiency systems, including electric heat pumps, smart thermostats and the transition to LED lighting across all County buildings.

In addition to facility upgrades, Blaine County introduced its first electric vehicle, marking another milestone in its efforts to reduce emissions and align with the goals outlined in its adopted Climate Action Plan. Collectively, these efforts are projected to save taxpayers up to $8,000 annually in operating costs while advancing the County’s broader sustainability and energy efficiency objectives.

“This recognition is a testament to the County’s commitment to long-term sustainability and responsible stewardship of public resources,” said Andrew Mentzer, Blaine County Sustainability Manager. “We’re proud to demonstrate how local governments can lead by example—investing in practical solutions that not only reduce environmental impact but also deliver real savings to the community.”

The Idaho Award for Leadership in Energy Efficiency highlights organizations that show measurable progress in improving energy performance. Blaine County's award underscores the role of forward-thinking energy policy and interdepartmental collaboration in shaping Idaho's more resilient and energy-conscious future.