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WHITEFISH- Midway Mini Mart in the Flathead is one of four small businesses in Montana to receive a Renewable Energy for America Program grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Midway Mini Mart owner Melody Watts says the gas station and convenience store was given $45,000 of grant money to install 39 solar panels and a wind generator that will provide over 10,000 watts of electricity.

"Sometimes our electricity will run at least $2,000 a month and so that will after a few years should cut it down pretty good."

Partner of Mother's Power Jeff Arcel says the changes to Midway Mini Mart really sets the business apart from others.

"They were willing to invest into a high visibility system that would differentiate them from other businesses in the neighborhood."

Watts says the solar panels and wind generator will help Midway Mini Mart save 20 percent on their electricity bill and if the power were ever to go out, customers can still pump gas.

"To have a renewable energy is kind of wonderful. Maybe more people will do it in their own homes."

Melody and her husband have owned the Midway Mini Mart located between Kalispell and Whitefish for the last 25 years.

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