RRPC Energy Committee NotesMay 18, 2009Annette Smith began the meeting with a round of introductions and approval of the meeting notes from the April meeting. Sara had one correction – she called Paula Baker “Linda” in attendance and will correct it.
Sara reported on the Way to Go! Week participation results. As of Friday morning on May 8th there were 3,502 participants who saved an estimated 224,000 miles of travel for the week. The Marble Valley Regional Transit provided 4717 one-way trips during Way to Go! Week, about 80% of which were on the Rutland City fixed routes. In the Rutland area, Rutland Regional Medical Center participated fully by sending announcements, putting up a display in the cafeteria, and surveying participants about their experience and how the Hospital could encourage alternative ways of commuting.
Guest SpeakerBob Murphy, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, Efficiency Vermont Geographic Targeting Bob explained the Geographic Targeting program briefly, addressing questions as they came up. The purpose of the program is to reduce demand for electricity. Newport successfully came out of the program by reducing demand. Rutland is the newest edition to this program; the program will run 2009-2011. The focus in Rutland will focus on summer peak demand.
Bob showed a map displaying utility accounts along all the transmission lines that CV has identified as in need of relief during peak demand hours. The basic idea is to reduce demand now to avoid having to upgrade heavily used lines a few years down the road. He explained that although there are no customers that Efficiency Vermont will refuse to help, this map does identify accounts that will be eligible for special incentives.
Three major strategies:
- Account management – Getting to know specific users and helping them reduce use.
- Direct install (Lighting Plus) – Lighting is an easily reduced energy use; Efficiency Vermont provides low-energy use lights for little investment.
- Community initiatives – Working with average home and business owner to help them save energy. Energy Committees are frequently good partners for this; this is why Bob is here tonight.
In Rutland:
- 54 Accounts are Managed Accounts
- 680 Accounts are eligible for Lighting Plus (20-500 MWh used per year)
- 1,577 Accounts are other business premises
Bob also talked about the Targeted Efficient Products Campaigns (TEPC) – a model program for encouraging home and businesses owners to become more aware of their energy usage and use more energy efficient products. Examples: CFLs, advanced power strips, second refrigerator retirement, pool pumps and timers, appliances, LED fixtures, thermostats.
Efficiency Vermont is asking town leaders for some help:
- We need to work together and motivate residents and education them about how to save energy.
- Come up with a name for this initiative in Rutland
- Set goals to reduce Town’s Energy bills
- Encourage businesses and municipal users to take advantage of Lighting Plus
- Work together on other Efficiency Vermont projects
Bob listed several ways he thought that the commissioners and town energy committee members could help:
- Key influencer ads – who shapes public opinion in Rutland?
- Kickoff events/pledge events – commissioners can volunteer to help at these events
- Employer events
- Small business door-to-door – Energy committee members and Efficiency Vermont person team up and help people door-to-door
- Web marketing – Sustainable Rutland has a website, Bob has met with them
- Publicizing efforts at town offices and businesses
- Outreach to and within school and church groups
Bob asserted that home energy audits are the most cost effective thing that people can do to save themselves money.
Efficiency Vermont will support Rutland efforts through
- Marketing support
- Retail partnerships
- Strategy development
- Coordinating events
- Tracking performance
Bob then opened up discussion to receive the commissioners’ ideas.
Annette Smith and Mark Goodwin brought up the issue of light pollution and inquired about incorporating the light pollution issue into the Geographic Targeting issue. Bob suggested that the Lighting Plus program may be a way to identify more efficient lighting that is also less polluting in terms of light pollution.
Ken Welch suggested that a competition, including some sort of prize, between towns might be a good way to motivate them.
Annette mentioned that next months’ meeting will be a brainstorming session, where we could talk about how to support this initiative.
AnnouncementsKen Welch briefly explained the energy retrofit loan program through NeighborWorks of Western Vermont. They provide a low-interest revolving loan program for home repair. Energy efficiency is a standard part of the home repair process. Other issues are moisture in the indoor air, heating efficiency, etc. There are eligibility requirements for the loans; up to 120% of median average income. For families up to 80% of the median average income can loan the repair money at 0% and repayment is deferred until the sale of the property.
Annette also passed around Tom’s proposal for the waste water treatment plant.
Next time will be brainstorming and talking about energy plans, wind project etc. Respond to Sara’s email with your ideas.
Upcoming Meetings Schedule- June 16th – Brainstorming session with a special focus on the Geographic Targeting program! Email Sara at sgilbert@rutlandrpc.org
- Happy summer! The Energy Committee will reconvene in September. The RRPC is just beginning to plan a regional energy forum over the summer, so stay in touch!
Resources- Check in with Efficiency Vermont by visiting their website at www.efficiencyvermont.com or call (802) 860-4095 or toll free 1-888-921-5990.
- You can find information about the Energy Retrofit Loan Program at www.nwwvt.org or call NeighborWorks of Western Vermont at (802) 438-2303.
