Fluctuating oil prices cause spike in demand and exploration of local alternatives.

In a Northern Forest Center webinar Oct. 19, four panelists provided analysis and insights about the state of the wood heat industry, reflecting on the past year and the current heating season, and touching on public policy, pellet production, and commercial and consumer behavioral trends.

Involved in the wood heat space for years, the Center spearheads the Feel Good Heat campaign, an effort to educate consumers on the benefits of heating homes and businesses with wood heat, with the goal of expanding low-grade wood markets for the Northern Forest region. This summer, the campaign deployed animations, Google display ads, YouTube videos, and more across the Northern Forest region, reaching more than 4.5 million people.  

Beyond discussing the environmental, economic, and consumer budget benefits, the panel also delved into state and federal incentives for wood heat systems.  

“When you look at policy as a whole, people and policymakers seem to understand the impacts of carbon and the need for forest sustainability. But then you look at heating technology, and there’s a disconnect,” said Maine Energy Systems Marketing Director Hannah Campbell. “From a public health perspective, from a renewable energy perspective, we need to start looking at how policies encourage what’s smart, rather than what we’re familiar with. It’s not in our New England nature to waste, so let’s use what’s around us – wood isn’t perfect, but it’s very good.”

If you missed it, view the recorded webinar, or view panelists’ presentations below:  

• John Ackerly, Founder and President, Alliance for Green Heat – Presentation 
• Hannah Campbell, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, Maine Energy Systems – Presentation 
• Mark Froling, President, Froling Energy – Presentation
• Kelli Ramsey, Marketing Director, Curran Renewable Energy – Presentation