SKOWHEGAN -- Farmers interested in learning more about increasing energy efficiency on their farms are invited to attend a free workshop on energy audits at Grassland Farm in Skowhegan from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 14.

A.J. Ballard, an energy auditor from Efficiency Maine, will review an energy audit recently completed for the farm as part of the Harvesting Clean Energy Program of the Farm Energy Partners Network.

In an energy audit, a professional identifies areas where a farm, other type business or home can realize energy savings through changes to processes, equipment or building upgrades, such as insulation.

Attendees will get information on how to find energy savings on their own farms, how to access Efficiency Maine incentives for equipment upgrades, and how to determine whether they may benefit from a full energy audit of their own farm business.

Ballard will discuss typical conservation measures and equipment upgrades that can save on energy costs.

Grassland Farm is a certified organic family-run dairy owned by Sarah and Garin Smith and which produces milk, beef, vegetables, fruits, berries and sweet corn.

Efficiency Maine is a statewide effort to promote more efficient use of electricity, help Maine residents and businesses reduce energy costs, and improve Maine's environment.

Since 2003, Efficiency Maine has paid cash incentives to more than 980 Maine businesses to help them purchase and install electric energy saving equipment. This equipment is saving Maine businesses more than 56 million kwh annually. Maine farms, agricultural-related businesses and other businesses may receive up to $50,000 per year from Efficiency Maine by implementing measures to reduce energy costs.

Farmers that participate in energy audits through Efficiency Maine also receive information about a cash incentive program.

For more information, visit www.efficiencymaine.com. The Farm Energy Audit Workshop is sponsored by the Western Mountains Alliance, a member of the Maine Rural Partners Farm Energy Partners Network. The presentation is funded by a federal USDA Risk Management Agency grant for the Network's Harvesting Clean Energy Program and will be the first of two workshops on farm energy audits offered this year.