SKOWHEGAN – Farmers who would like to learn more about increasing energy efficiency are invited to a free workshop on energy audits.

The workshop will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 14 at Grassland Farms on Malbon Mills Road. Sponsored by the Western Mountains Alliance of Farmington, the results of an energy audit done at a farm will be shared with farmers and interested community members.

An energy auditor from Efficiency Maine, A.J. Ballard, will identify areas where the farm could realize energy savings by making changes in processes, equipment or buildings.

Grassland Farm owners Sarah and Garin Smith have already made changes that she expected Ballard would suggest, she said on Monday, changes started by her father, Robi Leavitt, from whom they purchased the farm, she said.

Changes have included replacing lights in the barn and using propane gas to run some machinery, including heating water to 180 degrees to sanitize the farm’s milking system.

“Anything that heats uses a lot of energy … it has made a huge difference,” she said.

The couple run a Maine Organic Farms and Gardeners Association certified farm and produce milk, beef, seasonal vegetables and raise broiler chickens, said Tanya Swain of Western Mountains Alliance.

Energy audits can address the efficiency of motors and engines on machinery or fans in barns, she said. The audit also includes looking at the farm’s electric bills for a year to see if there is more use at different times of the year and what equipment used then might be taking more energy.

The Smiths retail their products at five farmers markets, including Farmington’s. They are working with Swain to obtain grant money to invest in a windmill for the farm. They are also exploring other alternative energy opportunities including generating methane from manure, she added.

“The audit experience was great,” she said. “We learned that we’re doing things right. The changes have meant a substantial investment, but it was worth it as we’ve saved a lot of money.”

Swain is looking for a farm in Franklin County that would be willing to go through an audit and hold a workshop, she said.

Ballard will also explain the process used for small business energy audits, discuss conservation measures and equipment upgrades and answer questions.

Anyone is welcome to attend the free workshop but registration is requested by calling 778-3885, or e-mail [email protected] for more information.