RRPC Energy Committee

Home Energy Visits: Sign-Up Now!

2010-03-02T08:17:00.003-05:00

Are you interested in saving energy in your home?

Trained volunteers in fourteen Rutland County towns are ready to help you save money by saving energy. A volunteer pair from your community will come to your home, calculate your home heating usage, provide information and special incentives to further reduce energy use, and install free energy-saving light bulbs and other energy-saving products. Volunteers are part of the Vermont Community Energy Mobilization Project, and are trained by Efficiency Vermont. Please note: The home energy visit is not a home energy audit, but it will help identify homes that are good candidates for a professional energy audit and comprehensive home improvements through a certified Vermont Weatherization or Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor.

Home energy visits will take place in March and April, and the program limited to a first-come, first serve basis. Interested? Please call Philip Picotte at 775-0871 ext 205, or email rutlandenergyvisits@gmail.com to sign up for a home energy visit.

Energy Volunteer Training in Rutland on Tuesday, February 16

2010-02-09T15:35:00.002-05:00

Additional Training Added: February 16 at Rutland Regional Medical Center!

Do you want to help your neighbors save money while also saving energy?

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission, in conjunction with Efficiency Vermont, will offer a training session for volunteers interested in the countywide Vermont Community Energy Mobilization Project.

Volunteers will be trained to conduct free home energy visits designed to help homeowners learn about energy-saving opportunities. They will install compact fluorescent light bulbs and water-saving devices as well as provide more information and special incentives to save more energy. The home energy visit identifies homes that would be good candidates for a professional energy audit and comprehensive energy efficiency home improvements through a certified Vermont Weatherization or Home Performance with an ENERGY STAR contractor.

A volunteer training session will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, in the Leahy Education Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

Refreshments will be served. Call Philip Picotte at (802) 775-0871, ext. 205, for more information.

Home visits will be coordinated in 16 Rutland County communities: Benson, Brandon, Castleton, Danby, Fair Haven, Killington, Mendon, Middletown Springs, Pittsford, Poultney, Rutland City, Rutland Town, Shrewsbury, Tinmouth, Wallingford, West Haven, and West Rutland. Volunteers from other towns are always welcome.

Energy Volunteer Training in Poultney on Thursday, January 28

2010-01-21T15:11:00.008-05:00

Do you want to help your neighbors save money while also saving energy?

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission, in conjunction with Efficiency Vermont, will offer a training session for volunteers interested in the countywide Vermont Community Energy Mobilization Project.

A volunteer training session will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on January 28 in the East Room at Green Mountain College’s Withey Student Center.

Call Susan Schreibman at (802) 775-0871, ext. 204, for more information.

Home visits will be coordinated in 15 Rutland County communities: Benson, Brandon, Castleton, Danby, Fair Haven, Killington, Mendon, Pittsford, Poultney, Rutland City, Rutland Town, Shrewsbury, Tinmouth, Wallingford, West Haven, and West Rutland. Volunteers from other towns are always welcome.

Vermont Community Energy Mobilization Project

2009-10-28T14:47:00.003-04:00

Efficiency Vermont is seeking applications from town energy committees, municipalities, regional planning commissions, and other entities to implement the Vermont Community Energy Mobilization Project (VCEM) Project in 2010. The VCEM project is based on the premise that local energy committees and other local community groups offer great promise for helping Vermont increase energy efficiency in residential buildings.

VCEM is an intensive four-month community-based effort designed to achieve quantifiable reductions in home energy use, stimulate an increase in the number of comprehensive energy retrofits, and increase awareness and understanding by Vermonters of home energy savings opportunities and resources. VCEM relies on community volunteers to conduct “home energy visits” to install energy saving products, conduct walk-through home energy assessments, and confer with property owners about energy saving opportunities in their homes.

Efficiency Vermont has established a statewide goal under the VCEM Project of achieving 100 comprehensive energy efficiency retrofits through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program in 2010.

For more information please visit: www.efficiencyvermont.com/homeperformance.

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission will work with any interested communities to form a consortium .

Applications are due by November 23rd, 2009.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Funding

2009-10-28T13:56:00.003-04:00

On October 19, the Department of Energy released its funding announcement for the competitive grant section of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (ECGB) Program. The funding is broken into two sections: Topic 1, the Retrofit Ramp-Up Program and Topic 2, the General Innovation Fund.

The Retrofit Ramp-Up Program provides up to $390 million for eight to 20 project awards funded at $5 to $75 million each. Both eligible and non-eligible counties (under the EECBG funding formula) are eligible to apply. According to grant guidance, DOE is specifically targeting these funds for high-impact awards that will enable large-scale programs of ongoing energy efficiency retrofits on residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings in geographically focused areas.
The General Innovation Fund provides up to $63.68 million for projects of $1 -$5 million for 15-60 awards. The General Innovation Fund is limited to local governments that were not eligible to receive direct EECBG funding allocations through the EECBG formula grants. No recipient cost share is required for General Innovation Fund awards.

DOE highlights the following activities as eligible activities for funding:
Building Energy Audits
Financial Incentive Programs for Energy Efficiency Improvements
Energy Efficiency Retrofits
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs for Buildings and Facilities
Development and Implementation of Transportation Programs to Conserve Energy
Building Codes and Enforcement
Energy Distribution Technologies for Energy Efficiency
Material Conservation Programs including source reduction, recycling and recycled content procurement programs
Reduction and Capture of Methane and Greenhouse Gases
Replacement of Traffic Signals and Street Lighting with Energy Efficient Technologies

Applications for both programs are due December 14, 2009.

Recovery Through Retrofit

2009-10-21T16:42:00.005-04:00

Recovery Through Retrofit is a blueprint that will create good green jobs - jobs that can't be outsourced, and jobs that will be the cornerstones of a 21st-Century economy," said Vice President Biden."And, thanks to the Recovery Act's unprecedented investments in energy efficiency, we are making it easier for American families to retrofit their homes - helping them save money while reducing carbon emissions and creating a healthier environment for our families."

"This report builds on the foundation laid in the Recovery Act to expand green job and business opportunities for the middle class while ensuring that the energy efficiency market will thrive for years to come," said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality."An aggressive program to retrofit American homes and businesses will create more work, more savings, and better health for middle class Americans."

Existing techniques and technologies in energy efficiency retrofitting can reduce energy use by up to 40 percent per home and lower total associated greenhouse gas emissions by up to 160 million metric tons annually. Retrofitting existing homes also has the potential to cut home energy bills by $21 billion annually. Yet, despite the real energy cost savings and environmental benefits associated with improving home energy efficiency, a series of barriers have prevented a self-sustaining retrofit market from forming. These barriers include a lack of access to information, financing and skilled workers.

The recommendations and actions in this Report have been carefully designed to help overcome these barriers and to leverage Recovery Act funding to help ensure that the energy efficiency market will thrive long after the Recovery Act money is fully spent.

Some recommendations in the report include:
*Provide American Homeowners with Straightforward and Reliable Home Energy Retrofit Information: Consumers need consistent, accessible, and trusted information that provides a reliable benchmark of energy efficiency and sound estimates of the costs and benefits of home energy retrofits.

*Reduce High Upfront Costs, Making Energy Retrofits More Accessible: Access to retrofit financing should be more transparent, more accessible, repayable over a longer time period, and more consumer-friendly.

*Establish National Workforce Certifications and Training Standards: A uniform set of national standards to qualify energy efficiency and retrofit workers and industry training providers will establish the foundation of consumer confidence that work will be completed correctly and produce the expected energy savings and benefits. Such standards should incorporate healthy and environmentally friendly housing principles, as outlined in the report titled, the Surgeon General's Call to Action To Promote Healthy Homes (2009). Proper certification and training standards will ensure that retrofitted homes are healthy homes. Consistent high-level national standards will spur the utilization of qualified training providers that offer career-track programs for people of all skill levels, promote and expand green jobs opportunities and facilitate the mobilization of a national home retrofit workforce.

Read the full report and recommendations.

"This initiative will not only result in considerable cost savings for homeowners on their energy bills, but also put resources in the hands of green sector small businesses who will in turn create good-paying jobs in communities across the country," said SBA Administrator Mills.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, who was unable to attend this event due to travel added, "This is the Recovery Act at work. Communities will benefit from good jobs, families will benefit from lower energy bills, and we will all benefit from reduced air pollution and a growing green economy. Our Energy Star program can help families cut up to 30% off their energy bills -- saving the average household more than $700 a year through efficiency investments.

The Department of Energy today also announced $454 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for energy efficiency efforts nationwide. The Department is now accepting applications for a new $390 million "Retrofit Ramp-Up" program that will deploy innovative approaches to energy efficiency building retrofits. These Recovery Act funds will help create new partnerships to deliver energy bill savings to entire neighborhoods and towns. Bringing energy retrofits to whole neighborhoods at a time will simplify the process for homeowners and significantly reduce costs. When applied on a national scale, the program could save billions of dollars annually in utility bills for households and businesses and create thousands of jobs across the country. In addition, the Energy Department announced $64 million in energy efficiency funding for cities, counties, and Indian tribes.

"The Retrofit Ramp-Up initiative is designed to slice through the barriers identified in this report - inconvenience, lack of information, and lack of financing - and to make energy efficiency easy and accessible to all," said Secretary Chu. " We can literally bring energy efficiency to the doorsteps of the American people."

Separately, the Department of Energy will accept state proposals to use State Energy Grant or Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant funds for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) pilots. This is an innovative model which allows communities to provide financing to homeowners to install renewable energy systems and retrofit buildings that can be paid off over time on their property tax bills. Today, the White House is announcing a "Policy Framework for PACE Financing Programs" developed through an interagency process to ensure that effective homeowner and lender safeguards are included in PACE programs.

Renewable Energy Conference

2009-10-18T12:19:00.001-04:00

The 8th Annual Vermont Renewable Energy Conference & Expo, 2009 will take place on Wednesday, October 28th at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center.

This year the annual conference is expanding to include a 1/2 day public expo opening Wednesday, October 28th at 12:00pm.

Event Hightlights

* Workshop Sessions-Solar, Biofuel, Wind, Geothermal, Biomass and Hydro
* Exhibits-Visit with the state's leading renewable energy companies!
* Public Expo opens Wednesday, October 28 at 12:00 pm
* Networking Reception-Wednesday, October 28th at 5:00 pm

Please visit the website at www.REVermont.org for program updates.
Register online: http://www.revermont.org/conference.html

Vermont Receives EECBG Funds-$9,593,500 awarded

2009-09-28T17:09:00.000-04:00

Vermont will use its Recovery Act EECBG funding to undertake projects that enhance energy efficiency and expand the use of renewable energy at the state and local level. In addition to grants to smaller cities and counties, a portion of the subgrant funds will also be awarded to 11 regional planning commissions for county-level energy efficiency related projects, including energy audits, efficiency installations, and energy planning.

Vermont will use the remaining Recovery Act funding to establish the Clean Energy Development Fund, a financial incentive program that will allow the state to maximize the impact and sustainability of clean energy projects by leveraging Recovery Act funds. The program will provide incentives for the installation of renewable energy technologies on government buildings, energy efficiency retrofits for schools and municipal buildings, energy audits for school buildings, and the Vermont Clean Cities Coalition, which supports the reduction of petroleum use in the transportation sector. Vermont's EECBG activities will lead to substantial energy and cost savings, and create and save green jobs statewide.

Associated Industries of Vermont - Annual Meeting

2009-09-14T12:06:00.003-04:00

89th AIV Annual Meeting

Ready or Not: Next Big Steps in Vermont's Energy Future

Tuesday, October 6  Capitol Plaza Hotel, Montpelier

AIV's 89th Annual Meeting will provide presentations from key players in these unfolding events, a panel discussion with some of Vermont's top decision makers and stakeholders, and finally a luncheon address by Governor Jim Douglas.

Both members and non-members are welcome to register by faxing or mailing a registration form by October 2. Registration is required for admission to the presentations and luncheon address. Contact Angelina Beardsley at (802) 223-3441 or email info@aivt.org for more information.

Dept. of Energy Announces New Grant Opportunities

2009-09-14T11:27:00.002-04:00

U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu today announced a new $450 million program designed to catalyze a nationwide energy upgrade that experts estimate could save $100 million annually in utility bills for households and businesses. The Recovery Act's "Retrofit Ramp-Up" program will pioneer innovative models for rolling out energy efficiency to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in a variety of communities....

The Request for Information (RFI) being issued today is for competitively selected local energy efficiency projects. This competitive portion of theEnergy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program will target community-scale retrofit projects that make significant, long-term impacts on energy use and can serve as national role models for grassroots energy efficiency efforts. The DOE is seeking public comment on this newly funded program under the Recovery Act. Public comment ends on Sept. 28, 2009.

The DOE is accepting feedback on both the competitively-selected portion of the EECBG program for up to $390 million for neighborhood-scale building retrofits, as well as up to $64 million for local governments that were not eligible to receive the formula grants announced earlier this year....

View the Request for Information. Public comment is requested by Sept. 28, 2009. The funding opportunity announcement is expected to be released in early October, following the public comment period.

Button-Up Vermont Regional Workshop

2009-08-27T15:59:00.005-04:00

Information Session

Organizing a Community

Button-Up Workshop

September 30, 2009

Rutland Regional Planning Commission Conference Room

The Opera House - Third Floor

67 Merchants Row

Rutland, VT

6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Snacks will be provided

Rutland Regional Planning Commission will be sponsoring a regional public information sessions for community and civic groups who are interested in holding a Button Up workshop in their community. These information sessions are designed to provide local Button Up workshop organizers with guidance on how to organize a workshop, provide copies of educational materials, and explore opportunities for regional cooperation in holding workshops.

As before, the workshops will be facilitated by representatives from the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network working with the Central Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity.

2009 Vermont Transportation Energy Report

2009-08-27T15:34:00.003-04:00

Vermont Clean Cities News

The 2009 Vermont Transportation Energy Report has just been released!

Excerpt from the report's conclusion: "Transportation represents the largest source of Vermont's greenhouse gas emissions (57 percent) and is the largest user of energy by sector (33 percent). Understanding Vermont's transportation energy use is critical to tackling the challenges presented by global climate change, dependence on foreign oil, future energy demands, public health and the implications for accessibility and mobility."

Local Energy Committee Forum

2009-08-21T09:43:00.003-04:00

Representatives from local town energy committees will get together to discuss how to organize and how to be more effective.

Local Energy Committee Forum

Tuesday – September 9, 2009
Nella Grimm Fox Room-Rutland Library
Center Street – Rutland, VT

Hosted by the
Rutland Regional Planning Commission
and the
Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network

Purpose: Representatives from local town energy committees, town energy coordinators, and others will share information on efforts to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy generation at the local and regional levels. Food and beverages will be provided.

Agenda

5:30 Gather, eat, and socialize
5:45 Welcome
· Meeting purpose and Agenda review
· Brief introductions
6:00 Updates
· Statewide activities
· Regional activities
· Local Activities
6:45 Local Energy Committee Roundtable
· Updates from town energy committees on past, present, and future local energy projects and activities
· Needs
7:30 Break
7:45 Workshops
· Funding opportunities for community energy initiatives –
Paul Markowitz, VT Chapter of the Sierra Club
· Forming and strengthening town energy committees --
Deb Sachs, Community Climate Action
8:30 What’s Next?
· Explore topics for future meetings
· Set dates
8:45 Adjourn

Webinar August 27 - Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Jobs in the Buildings Industry

2009-08-18T09:47:00.001-04:00

DOE Webinar August 27: Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Jobs in the Buildings Industry—Workforce Overview

August 17, 2009

The U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Program is offering a webinar on Thursday, August 27 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. EDT titled "Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Jobs in the Buildings Industry—Workforce Overview." This webinar is geared toward community colleges and workforce agencies and will provide an overview of jobs involved with retrofitting existing homes to improve energy efficiency:

Job skills and scaling up training
Partnering between community colleges and workforce agencies
Overview of certifications
State and local workforce practices

The presenters will be Michael McCabe from the Department of Energy, Debra Rowe from Oakland Community College, Charles Segerstrom from Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Jennifer Troke from the Department of Labor, and Jerry Weber from the College of Lake County.

The webcast is free of charge, but you must register in advance to obtain a URL for the presentation and call-in phone number. Learn more about the webinar.

Reminder! Food talk in Rutland TOMORROW

2009-08-17T09:18:00.003-04:00

On Tuesday August 18th, RAFFL will host sustainable food systems author Jill Richardson, who will give a free talk at 6:30 at the UU Church of Rutland (on the corner of West and Cottage Streets across from the Transit Center in Rutland City). The event is co-sponsored by Sustainable Rutland.

Enjoy a tasting of locally grown and produced food!

Click here to read more!

Documentary Screening in Middlebury

2009-08-15T14:31:00.001-04:00

Middlebury – The award-winning film Kilowatt Ours: A Plan to Re-Energize America, which provides simple, practical, affordable solutions to America’s energy crisis, is touring the United States. The public is invited to view Kilowatt Ours during a special screening at the Addison County Regional Planning Commission at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2009. This acclaimed film advocates energy conservation and renewable power sources as alternatives to the high costs of energy.

When: Thursday, August 27, 7 PM
Where: ACRPC, 14 Seminary Street, Middlebury
Admission: Free

Kilowatt Ours is the story of filmmaker and conservationist Jeff Barrie's journey across the U.S. to document our energy-related problems and present practical, cost-saving solutions for consumers. Widespread problems revealed in Kilowatt Ours include mountaintop removal, air pollution, global warming, childhood asthma, and mercury contamination. The film illustrates practical solutions that can help homeowners save approximately $1000 per year on energy bills, while helping the environment and protecting human health.

“I hope this film sparks an energy conservation movement across America, while boosting demand for clean renewable power sources,” says filmmaker Jeff Barrie. “Many people are unaware that we’re still burning coal to generate most of our electricity in America, creating serious consequences to the environment and human health. The need for conservation is urgent,” says Barrie.

According to the Department of Energy, the average American home consumes more than 900 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month. More than 50% of our nation’s electricity is generated in coal-fired power plants, amounting to nearly 6 tons of coal burned to generate electricity for the typical American home each year. By using products marked with EPA’s Energy Star label, purchasing power generated from renewable resources, more effectively insulating our homes, and utilizing natural energy sources like sunlight, wind, and geothermal power, consumers can reduce the impact of their energy usage, while saving money.

Kilowatt Ours is sponsored by: ACRPC Energy Committee, Johnson Controls, The Sierra Club Foundation, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Stonyfield Farm, Mother Earth News, Utne Reader, and Renewable Choice Energy. For more information visit www.KilowattOurs.org or contact Elizabeth Golden at (802) 388-3141, egolden@sover.net.

Smart Gird Update: State looks to future with 'smart grid' technology

2009-08-14T09:05:00.003-04:00

Whether the state is successful in its application for $66 million worth of federal funding or not, Vermont's utilities and regulatory agencies will move forward in an effort to create a "smart grid" for power distribution, state officials and industry executives said Thursday. However, without the federal assistance, it will take much longer to complete the ambitious project, they said.

The smart grid proposal would involve installing new electric meters in Vermonter's homes and creating the fiber optic pathways and technological links. That, in turn, would allow those meters to "talk" back and forth with utility computers, coordinating when electricity is used and reducing how much electricity is used and how much it costs.... Read more: State looks to future with 'smart grid' technology: Rutland Herald Online

Posted using ShareThis

Reducing our Energy Costs: Food Production Talk in Rutland

2009-08-11T09:10:00.005-04:00

Approximately one third of energy costs in the State of Vermont is in the transportation sector. While we do talk about taking the bus, carpooling, and biking to work, we at the Planning Commission have much fewer discussions about another important aspect of reducing transportation costs: local consumerism.

Luckily, we have a chance to learn from one of the experts, thanks to the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL). Next Tuesday, August 18th, RAFFL will host sustainable food systems author Jill Richardson, who will give a free talk at 6:30 at the UU Church of Rutland (on the corner of West and Cottage Streets across from the Transit Center in Rutland City). The event is co-sponsored by Sustainable Rutland.

Richardson is the author of Recipe for America: why our food system is broken and what we can do to fix it. Come hear her ideas for a new recipe for America's food systems. You will also learn what RAFFL is doing to create a sustainable food system right here in the Rutland region, and how their work relate to the bigger national picutre.

Enjoy a tasting of locally grown and produced food!

A review of Richardson's book:

“America’s food system is dominated by agribusiness and corporate farms, whose destructive practices pollute the environment, are cruel to animals, and offer us unhealthy food choices. Despite this dire situation, most people have little idea how to eat differently, or healthier.

In Recipe for America, food activist Jill Richardson shows how sustainable agriculture—where local farms raise food that is healthy for consumers and animals and does not damage the environment—offers the only solution to America’s food crisis. In addition to highlighting the harmful conditions at factory farms, this timely and necessary book details the rising grassroots food movement, which is creating an agricultural system that allows people to eat sustainably, locally, and seasonally.

A call to action for those who are concerned about what they eat and the health of the planet, Recipe for America shows how sustainable eating nourishes our bodies, our economy, and our environment, and how it is the best hope for the future of food in America."

www.rutlandfarmandfood.org
www.sustainablerutland.org

Bennington couple hopes to restart hydro power: Rutland Herald Online

2009-08-10T17:31:00.001-04:00

Bennington couple hopes to restart hydro power: Rutland Herald Online

Posted using ShareThis

What to do about renewables in Rutland County?

2009-08-07T11:33:00.001-04:00

For a variety of reasons, energy conservation and generation are hot topics in our region these days. As we try to make sense of all the complex factors influencing our energy situation, perhaps it would help to check out what other folks around the country are doing from a regional planning perspective.

The New Rules Project, an educational website, offers the example of Klickitat County in southern Washington state. The New Rules Project article argues that if "a proliferation of small-scale power plants serves the interests of the general community, cities and counties should include this concept as an element in their general plans and zoning ordinances."

That is exactly what Klickitat County has done. They studied the potential impacts of future energy projects within the county borders and came up with a plan to help direct any future projects to the most appropriate areas. Their process resulted in the creation of a county-wide "Energy Overlay Zone", a zoning tool aimed at expediting renewable energy development. Understandably, the establishment of this zone had many critics - maybe one person's renewable energy site is another person's treasured natural area or backyard.

When we are planning for our energy future here in Rutland County, there are many important questions to ask. How much energy do we need? How can we work together to reduce energy demand? Do we agree that increasing energy generation within our borders is an appropriate goal? What impact do we have on the larger national or regional community when we draw power from remote sources? How can we balance our environmental concerns with our economic goals and aesthetic preferences? Who are willing to ask to make sacrifices on behalf of our energy needs?

The Rutland Regional Plan (2008) states four major unmet needs in terms of the region's energy needs: full consideration of environmental impacts of productions; reducing emissions from energy use; rising costs of fuel; and widespread availability and use of alternative energy sources. Meanwhile, the plan points to several future trends in energy use: we are likely to see increased use of electricity and fossil fuel energy, unstable energy supplies and cost increases, and uncertain electricity supplies and costs.

Is the development of renewable energy sources within the region the best answer to these issues? Or should we focus more on efficiency and conservation? The Rutland Regional Planning Commission will hold a Regional Energy Meeting, with the assistance of VECAN, to explain what towns can do and are doing to address these questions in Vermont. Come join the discussion:

September 9, 2009
5:30 pm
Fox Room, Rutland Free Library

Worried about energy? Think Weatherization.

2009-08-05T14:01:00.000-04:00

Although winter is still a few months away, it is not too early to start planning a weatherization project for your town energy committee. VECAN is a network of statewide Vermont organizations helping communities across the Green Mountain State to reduce energy costs and climate impacts through conservation, increased energy efficiency and conversion to renewable energy sources. Check out their tips for tackling weatherization in your community:

Community Weatherization Projects

"Why It Matters
Vermont, as the rest of the nation, is facing unprecedented increases in fuel oil prices – with an estimated doubling of fuel oil prices in the last year alone. Tightening up homes by stopping air leakage is an effective way to save energy. Some weatherization techniques can help your family pay for an upfront investment of weatherization materials in one heating season and many can be easily installed in a few hours by an individual. No-cost or low-cost weatherization measures - such as caulking and weather-stripping - coupled with education for behavior changes can reduce fuel costs between 5-15 percent! In the early 1980s, Vermont implemented a statewide weatherization campaign, known as “Button-Up Vermont” which organized weatherization activities in more than 50 Vermont communities. Today, this model is again gaining traction at the local and state level, offering a unique opportunity for Vermonters to implement self-help energy efficiency measures to reduce their energy use. At the same time, residents can learn about how their homes lose energy, the value of having an energy audit, and the enormous savings available from implementing extensive energy retrofit measures.

How to Do It
A Community Weatherization Project (CWP) is a locally designed and administered community energy conservation program. The scope of the project may vary within each community, depending upon local resources, leadership, and creativity. The major goal of a CWP is to educate and mobilize a significant number of citizens to undertake low-cost conservation measures in their homes.

A CWP usually occurs during a concentrated 2-3 month effort; often in the fall as people prepare for the winter. Keeping the program simple and clear are the keys to success. The main focus of a CWP should be clearly evident and easy to understand in all publicity, outreach, and activities of the project. A CWP can help build a local constituency of leadership and residents to address more comprehensive energy problems and needs over the long term.

A low cost or no cost CWP revolves around promoting a series of workshops designed to cover the following topics:
• Conservation measures which involve only minor lifestyle adjustments and no money;
• Areas in the home with air leakage;
• The installation of materials to block air leakage.

Information and Resources
• Efficiency Vermont: For a list of energy auditors, energy efficiency tips, and other efficiency resources.
• Sustainable Energy Resource Group: For information on how to save energy in your home. "

I found these tips on VECAN's website, www.vecan.net.

July Fuel Price Report

2009-08-02T13:44:00.000-04:00

The Vermont Department of Public Service publishes a monthly fuel price report. Click here to see all the reports. This graphic was taken from their July report, which can be downloaded here (pdf).

Wind roject makes progress in West Rutland

2009-08-01T13:49:00.000-04:00

The Rutland Herald reported a new development for the wind farm project on July 29:

"The Select Board voted unanimously Monday to sign a 30-year lease with Vermont Community Wind Farm to put turbines on municipal forest land West Rutland owns in Ira. The company is seeking to build an 80-megawatt wind farm in and around Ira.

In return, the company will pay the town a total of $3,000 for the three-year "development phase." ...

The project has proven more contentious in other towns, particularly in Ira, where meetings on the proposal have drawn large, hostile crowds. Select Board Chairman Sean Barrows said after the meeting that he suspects the project has plenty of supporters but that their voices are not being heard."

Read the full article: West Rutland signs lease on wind turbine: Rutland Herald Online

Posted using ShareThis

Energy panel debates use for stimulus: Rutland Herald Online

2009-07-31T08:24:00.002-04:00

"To conserve or to create?

That was the question posed at a recent meeting of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission's energy committee following news that $80,000 in federal grant money was expected to flow to the commission for energy efficiency and conservation.

At the July 21 public forum, municipal energy committee and commission members debated whether to hire a staff person to educate residents on existing energy conservation ..."

Read the whole article: Energy panel debates use for stimulus: Rutland Herald Online

Posted using ShareThis

NWRPC Tackles Energy

2009-07-29T14:00:00.000-04:00

Wondering what other Regional Planning Commissions around the state are doing about energy? Check out this article from the Northwest Regional Planning Commission newsletter (click to see a larger image). You can read the entire newsletter here.

CVPS to build solar-array station: Rutland Herald Online

2009-07-28T13:53:00.002-04:00

Central Vermont Public Service Corp. has received regulatory approval to build a 50-kilowatt solar-array power station along Route 7, near the CVPS district service center in Rutland Town.

The Public Service Board approved the $400,000 project last week. It includes about 265 solar panels, each 3 by 5-feet wide, arranged on the ground in 33 post-mounted arrays.

Several elements of the project will be built or installed by Stafford Technical Center students, including a shed, signage and landscape designs.

CV Solar and Wind, a private Rutland-based company, and ReKnew Energy Systems Inc., of South Royalton, will oversee construction with Stafford students providing assistance...

Read the whole story:
CVPS to build solar-array station: Rutland Herald Online

Posted using ShareThis

Vermont Awarded Energy Money

2009-07-28T13:47:00.001-04:00

VERMONT - $8,799,600 awarded July 27, 2009

The state of Vermont will use its Recovery Act allocation to fund incentives to advance renewable energy and energy efficiency measures across the state in the public, private, and residential sectors. The state will increase the development and deployment of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable electric power resources by offering grants and loans to residents, businesses, non-profits, government, and farms to help them install such renewable energy systems as solar, wind and geothermal.

The state also will establish a revolving loan and/or small grant program for public-serving non-profit or government institutions—including K-12 school districts, colleges, and universities—to implement energy efficiency measures or renewable energy projects.

In addition, Vermont will use SEP Recovery Act funds to install thermal solar renewable energy systems for heating and/or hot water to low-income residences. This effort will allow the state to continue to expand the weatherization program and realize greater energy savings.

After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive almost $11 million in additional funding, for a total of nearly $22 million.

Four other states and territories were awarded money, for a total of $54 million. Read the whole story here.

Save the Date! Renewable Energy Conference

2009-07-25T12:12:00.000-04:00

Mark your calendars - the largest Renewable Energy Event in Vermont is happening this fall! The 8th Annual Vermont Renewable Energy Conference & Expo, 2009 will take place on Wednesday, October 28th at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center.

This year the annual conference is expanding to include a 1/2 day public expo opening Wednesday, October 28th at 12:00pm.

Event Hightlights

Workshop Sessions-Solar, Biofuel, Wind, Geothermal, Biomass and Hydro
Exhibits-Visit with the state's leading renewable energy companies!
Public Expo opens Wednesday, October 28 at 12:00 pm
Networking Reception-Wednesday, October 28th at 5:00 pm

Please visit the website at www.REVermont.org for program updates.

Meeting Notes July 21, 2009

2009-07-24T12:23:00.012-04:00

While only about half of the committee could make it to the July Energy Committee meeting, the meeting was well attended by over twenty guests.

Annette Smith (Chair, Danby) began the meeting with introductions. There were several new faces, including many members of town energy committees, as well as representatives from regional organizations around the County. This meeting was recorded on video by Devin Krevetski. Cristina Kumka, representing the Rutland Herald, also recorded a portion of the audio.

Smith announced a small change to the agenda by proposing that the wind forum item be addressed first. The group brainstormed topics and speakers for the four-week series of wind-energy-related forums that the RRPC will host in September and October of this year. See the attached notes for details.

The minutes from the May meeting were approved by voice vote on a motion made by Eric Mach (Pawlet) and seconded by Ethan Swift (Brandon).

The discussion moved on to a discussion of and brainstorming session on the federal stimulus money allocated to the Rutland Regional Planning Commission by the Vermont State Legislature. Smith explained that the RRPC will be getting $40,000 per year for two years.

During the discussion, the group was informed that there are several examples of town plans that address alternative energy sources in detail, including Searsburg (for wind). Larry Courcelle (Mendon) also mentioned that the minutes from the past year of the full Planning Commission board meetings contain detailed programs which cover many different aspects of alternative energy generation.

Mark Blucher (Staff) started the discussion by referring to the broad guidelines for use of the money, provided as a handout. The RPCs are still waiting for more specific guidelines for their use of the money. Blucher also referred to the Rutland Regional Plan 2008 energy chapter suggested actions, which the Planning Commission will use as a guide when deciding how the funds are used. The Commission needs to use the funds to broadly benefit the twenty-seven towns in the Region.

The group briefly discussed the Vermont Community Development Fund (CEDF) grant money and application process. The next deadline for funding under this grant is August 14, 2009. There will be another RFP issued in January with a February 26, 2009 deadline.

The group brainstormed ideas for how the RRPC should use the stimulus money. Smith went around the room, inviting each person to share one or more ideas. After everyone had an opportunity to speak, Smith encouraged the group to flesh out an idea that several people mentioned about funding a demonstration project at the Stafford Technical Center. Several ideas were introduced, including a residential-sized solar and wind project, plus a methane-collection system on the landfill at the school. While several people spoke in favor of this idea, several people identified potential limitations, including space constraints at the school. Some thought that the Stafford idea was too narrow a focus for the Regional Planning Commission’s money.

The group’s priorities seemed to be educating the younger generations about energy efficiency and conservation, providing a trained workforce for “green” technology, increasing public awareness of current possibilities for efficiency and conservation (especially weatherization), and supporting town energy committees.

Several people also debated whether or not the money could be effectively used to fund a staff position hosted by the planning commission. This staff person would coordinate energy efforts around the region and provided technical assistance to those efforts.

As discussion wound down, Smith thanked everyone for attending the meeting and commented on the group’s good energy.

Brainstorming Notes

Wind Forum Topics

- Questions about technology itself – lifespan, pros/cons, ability to displace oil for energy generation

- Financial issues: tax assessment – property values, grand list, how much stays in town v. state, how are the actual properties on which wind is developed impacted?

- How do town plans address alternative energy sources? How should they address wind and on what scale?

- Job creation

- More information about wind energy potential in Rutland County as well as other types of alternative energy such as geothermal, hydro

- Weatherization

- Impacts of putting wind energy in – natural resources, impact on residents nearby

- What are the varieties of wind energy in terms of scale, ownership, etc

- More information about small scale wind, for example in support of agricultural operations – especially Vermont-made

- Hear more from people experienced with financing, building and living with wind power

- Social cost of energy use. Comparisons between wind and other energy sources, such as strip mining for coal: there is a gap between energy use and production in Rutland County. Environmental health issues.

- Comparisons between potential projects in Rutland County based on scale

- Economics of base load v.

- Independent objective source for real impacts of wind – dispel myths of wind.

- Energy inputs v. outputs – lifecycle analysis. Cost of unit of energy for different power sources (wind, coal, hydro, solar, etc).

- How does the grid operate, how much energy is actually transmissible?

- Geography of successful wind farms – where does wind work? (Include international examples.)

- Operations and maintenance, including decommissioning

- Speaker ideas: Van Jones, Greg Paul (Middlebury, ACORN group), Bernie Sanders (Subcom green job training), Amory Lovins (Rocky Mountain Institute), Lyman Orton (arts council – visioning/visualizing the future of energy in Vermont)

Role of RRPC

- What energy efficiency programs are currently operating in our region and how can we help them be more effective?

- Research for alternative energy – how would solar or wind really impact our region?

- Providing assistance for setting up and/or assisting town energy committees to help them become more active and involved, including helping towns or consortium apply for funding or develop more extensive strategies in town plans (staff assistance, hire consultants)

- Broad, county-wide discussion panels for main issues

- Use the $ for an efficiency competition between towns with an educational theme

- Could also partner with Geographic Targeting Program being run by Efficiency VT right now

- Green Mountain Community Energy Challenge being put on by VECAN

- Demonstration project at Stafford Technical Center using solar or wind and student work (see Mt Holly example) – help train a work force for renewable technology (good precedent for successful student projects)

- Educational projects: partner with CVPS, VECAN, pool resources to create a regional project that draws in a diverse group, with a focus on kids (see solar project being planned with Stafford for this fall – that project encompasses the installation of a 50 kW grid-connected solar project as a demonstration. Stafford students (electrical/plumbing, landscaping/forestry programs) will provide some labor and will learn about solar installation.) Demonstration residential-sized system using solar/wind could be done for about $40,000.

- Work with a local college student/class and conduct a county-wide energy audit (including all fuels/sources), then find ways to reduce use. We could have a big picture data base of energy use all around the region so that we can plan for localized efficiency and production projects.

- Promotion of currently available programs for energy efficiency – tax credits, loan programs, weatherization and incentive programs, etc.

- Identify opportunities for towns to band together and become more effective. Lending library for committees for books or videos.

- Button Up Vermont program model worked well last year – average savings of 30% (fuel and electric) – use the money to keep up public awareness

- Work force training for renewable energy in general

- Wind turbine or solar generation site in a public place that invites interaction with the public

- Existing or former hydro dam sites around the county – look into redevelopment of these sites as well as run-of-river

- Investigate biomass cogeneration facility near Rutland City – see examples around the state

- Assist town energy committees with grant writing projects, funding sources, etc. : ) Staff time to assist current communities and help new committees get started.

- Conservation and efficiency!

- Transportation issues??

- Partner with Efficiency Vermont, NeighborWorks, for example, for consistent, long term educational programs. Example: Efficiency Vermont programs that went into the schools.

- Vermont Technical College

- Need a good plan to make scarce resources effective

- Partner with Rutland City to do Eco-municipality training which would be open to all communities

- Energy independence and local generation: how to be independent?

- Demonstration project

- Study the best success stories and technologies so that we can emulate

- Partner with existing regional sustainability group to enable them to become more effective, for example, with grant writing

- Green building technologies and planned developments – minimizing footprint of development, locally sourced labor and materials. Staff position/program to look at and capture long term economic benefit of green technology and housing development. Low impact development techniques. Material conservation programs. Outreach to developers and to towns (town plans, zoning regs).

- Research activities for inventing new technologies and ways to generate energy – Stafford could also be the place for this type of activity.

- Make Stafford more accessible to all towns ???

- Development director who would be assigned to work for the towns and raise money.

- Put a circular in the Rutland Herald to be distributed about energy issues.

- Mobile training unit to train high school students about weatherization work to be done in their own towns? (see example – partnership between State and VT Tech)

- Poster contest to get kids involved

- Green Mountain College – example, Neigborworks is partnering with GMC to analyze their programs as well

- AmeriCorps Vista program

See the write-up on the Sustainable Rutland blog.

July Energy Committee Meeting Agenda

2009-07-20T16:52:00.003-04:00

There will be a special meeting of the Energy Committee on July 21st at 6 pm to discuss stimulus funding with has been allocated to the Regional Planning Commissions around the state to deal with energy issues.

We will also incorporate the brainstorming session that we had planned for the June meeting.

The meeting will be held in the 2nd Floor Conference room of the Asa Bloomer Building on Merchants Row in Rutland City, VT.

Agenda

Welcome and Introductions

Approval of Meeting Notes

May 2009

Review of EECBG Requirements

Group Brainstorming Session

Town Projects

Role of RRPC

Wind Forum Series Topics

Adjourn

Frequently Asked Questions - Federal Stimulus Funding for Energy

2009-07-15T15:11:00.015-04:00

We have been receiving many calls at the RRPC from folks interested in the status of energy funding coming to Vermont. There is so much information out there - but what applies specifically to the Rutland region? Here are some answers to a few frequently asked questions:

How much money is coming to Vermont for energy?

The Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) will be responsible for distributing most of the money. The CEDF will receive $21,999,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds designated to the State Energy Program (SEP) and $9,593,500 in ARRA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) funds in FY 2010.

How will the money be divided?

The Vermont legislature specifies that the ARRA funds are to be used for the following:

The Vermont Small‐Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program;
Grant and loan programs for renewable energy resources;
Grants and loans to thermal energy efficiency incentive programs, community scale renewable energy financing programs, certification and training for renewable energy workers, promotion of local biomass and geothermal heating, and anemometer loan program;
$2 million for a public‐serving institutions efficiency and renewable energy grant and loan program;
$2 million to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board for nonprofit weatherization and renewables grants and loans;
$2 million to the Vermont Telecommunications Authority to make grants of no more than $10,000 per turbine for the installation of small‐scale wind turbines and co-located cellular transmission towers;
$880,000 to the 11 regional planning commissions ($80,000 to each) for energy efficiency and conservation activities eligible under the EECBG program.

What towns in the Rutland region are receiving formula grants?

Rutland City is one of the ten largest towns in Vermont and will receive a formula grant through the EECBG program in the amount of $78,900.

Is it too late to apply for federal funding for energy?

Although formula grant deadlines are quickly approaching or have already passed, because most of Vermont's stimulus money is going thought CEDF, most applicants in Vermont will apply through the CEDF. The formula grant deadline for Vermont's big funding allocations has already been met through the hard work of the Department of Public Service.

What is the Rutland Regional Planning Commission doing with its $80,000?

The RRPC has not yet decided on a plan for its funding. We will hold a meeting to discuss possibilities on July 21st at 6 pm in room 266 of the Asa Bloomer Building - everyone is welcome. The Department of Public Service has not yet published specific guidelines for this funding although there are Federal guidelines that will have to be considered.

Where can I find more information about the Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF)?

Visit the CEDF page on the Department of Public Service website to link to their program plan, budget, and information about all their programs. Click here.

The Vermont CEDF FY 2010 Program Plan and Budget contains useful information, including

a description of the federal funds coming in (page 5), a summary of the Grant Program (starting page 8), and a table showing the FY 2010 CEDF Budget (page 15). Click here to download the pdf.

Where can I find more general information about federal stimulus money in Vermont?

Visit http://recovery.vermont.gov/energy for more useful information.

RPCs Receive Energy Money

2009-06-19T15:34:00.007-04:00

Thanks to federal stimulus money, the State Energy Program will receive $21 million this year to pursue energy efficiency and conservation. Most of the funding will be distributed through the Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF).

An additional $9 million will come to the state through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program for a variety of efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, outlined in the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007. Approximately $9.5 million will come through the state, and the rest directly to Vermont cities and towns. Of this $9.5 million, 40% ($3.8 million) is allocated by the DOE to the State Energy Program and 60% ($5.7 million) is allocated to cities and towns not receiving a direct allocation from DOE. We anticipate this will be awarded through an upcoming competitive application process. The Department of Public Service plans to submit an application to the DOE for the funds coming to the state on or before the deadline of June 25, 2009. Some of the money has been directly allocated by DOE to the ten highest-population towns. In Rutland County, the City of Rutland was allocated $78,900.

The ten Regional Planning Commissions in Vermont will each receive $80,000 for energy issues through EECBG. The funding is very broad; eligible activities include everything from developing pedestrian paths to updating energy plans to weatherizing government buildings. More information is available at www.recovery.vermont.gov/energy.

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission will hold a special meeting of its Energy Committee to discuss plans for the money on July 21, 2009 at 6:00 pm in the second floor conference room of the Asa Bloomer Building in Rutland City. Contact Sara Gilbert at sgilbert@rutlandrpc.org or (802) 775-0871 extension 205 for more information.

For a full explanation of all energy-related stimulus funding, click here (PDF).

Wind farm scales back: Rutland Herald Online

2009-06-19T15:21:00.002-04:00

Read an update on Vermont Community Wind's planned project by clicking below:

Wind farm scales back: Rutland Herald Online

Posted using ShareThis

KICK THE OIL HABIT Renewable Energy Talk in Brandon.

2009-06-11T12:30:00.004-04:00

KICK THE OIL HABIT Renewable Energy Talk in Brandon.

Monday, June 15, 7 to 8p.m. at the Otter Valley Union High School Library (2nd Floor), 4 Franklin St, Vergennes. Don’t know where to start with renewables? Come hear about local solutions by local experts. Sponsored by ACORN Energy Co-op. Call 385-1911 for info. Read more.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants

2009-06-10T16:12:00.005-04:00

Deadline Approaching!!

The deadline for this grant is June 25th - applicants should begin the registration process AT LEAST ten days prior to deadline to ensure all registration requirements are met. Click here for the program webpage.

Program Description
Over $2.7 billion in formula grants are now available to U.S. states, territories, local governments, and Indian tribes under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funded for the first time under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This Program, authorized in Title V, Subtitle E of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) and signed into Public Law (PL 110-140) on December 19, 2007, provides funds to units of local and state government, Indian tribes, and territories to develop and implement projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions in their communities. The Program is administered by the Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs (WIP) in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Download a helpful powerpoint by clicking here.

REGISTER NOW

NOTE: Eligible applicants must register and apply to receive direct formula funds. There are several one time actions you must complete in order to submit an application to this announcement:

Obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number at http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/ (NOTE: If you already have a DUNS number, you do not need to apply for a new one.)
Register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at http://www.ccr.gov/ (NOTE: If you are already registered with CCR, you do not need to reregister - however, CCR does require that registrants update their contact information annually.)
Register E-Business Point of Contact with FedConnect to submit their application at at www.fedconnect.net

Applicants who are not registered with CCR and FedConnect should allow at least 21 days to complete these requirements. It is suggested that the process be started now.

May Meeting Notes

2009-06-05T12:19:00.000-04:00

RRPC Energy Committee Notes
May 18, 2009

Annette 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 Speaker

Bob 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.

Announcements
Ken 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.

Homeowners getting home energy help from pilot program: Rutland Herald Online

2009-06-03T12:28:00.000-04:00

Homeowners getting home energy help from pilot program: Rutland Herald Online

Posted using ShareThis

Renewable energy bill praised: Rutland Herald Online

2009-06-01T12:29:00.000-04:00

Renewable energy bill praised: Rutland Herald Online

Posted using ShareThis

June 15th: KICK THE OIL HABIT Renewable Energy Talk in Brandon

2009-05-27T12:18:00.004-04:00

ACORN Energy Co-op tells how to kick oil habit and switch to renewable energy.

Brandon —Members of the ACORN Energy Co-op will offer suggestions on how to kick the oil habit and switch to renewable energy on Monday, June 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Otter Valley Union High School Library (2nd floor) in Brandon. They will also explain the co-op’s latest energy projects, services and future plans.

“Many homeowners or small businesses with aging oil furnaces and concerns about peak oil and climate change don’t know where to start with renewable energy. They’re constrained by time and money and overwhelmed by sometimes conflicting information,” ACORN Energy Co-op manager Laura Asermily says. “This presentation will offer experienced advice on best steps to take as well as an update on the latest energy projects in our region.”

ACORN Energy Co-op organizers will explain the co-op’s background and its plans, including a new wood pellet initiative based on Vermont-produced pellets. A co-op member benefits package will also be described, and area residents will be invited to join the co-op as members.

“We had a large crowd at our March 18 launch in Middlebury that represented a broad cross section of area residents; it was an exciting event,” says Greg Pahl, interim board president of the Energy Co-op. “But we want to expand our message beyond Middlebury to the entire County and beyond.” The Co-op gave a presentation in Bristol and Vergennes recently, and Brandon is the next stop on the schedule.

The ACORN Energy Co-op is a member owned business serving the residents of the 23 towns of Addison County, and the surrounding area. The Co-op, which emerged from its umbrella organization, the Addison County Relocalization Network (now referred to as the ACORN Network), was founded in June 2008 to help area residents make the transition from their near total dependence on fossil fuels to a greater reliance on a wide range of renewable energy strategies.

The Co-op’s first pilot initiative was to work in collaboration with other area businesses to organize bulk purchasing and distribution of 66 tons of premium wood pellets for local residents during the summer and fall of last year. This year the Co-op has entered into a three-way partnership with Bourdeau Brothers of Middlebury and Vermont Wood Pellet Co., LLC.. The Co-op and Bourdeau Brothers are collaborating on marketing and delivering the pellets produced by VWP’s new North Clarendon mill, which is expected to have an initial output of 10,000 tons per year. So far this year, the co-op has accumulated pre-buy orders for about 90 tons of pellets for its members.

“We’re starting out with a relatively small-scale operation designed to meet local heating fuel needs from local, renewable resources, but production can be ramped up as demand grows,” Pahl says. “We think it’s a flexible and compelling model whose time has come, especially in light of the popularity of the Buy Local and Eat Local movements. Now area residents can Heat Local as well. We’re convinced that this is something that many people will want to support.”

Considering the volatility of energy prices in recent years, co-op organizers believe that the co-op offers area residents an opportunity to regain some measure of control over their own energy future by learning how to expand their efficiency and conservation practices while planning for shifts to renewable energy.

In addition to the talk in Brandon, the co-op plans to give additional presentations in other area towns in the coming months. “We encourage anyone who is interested in local solutions to our energy challenges to attend co-op talks on how to kick the oil habit and switch to renewables,” Pahl says.

For additional information about the Co-op call 385-1911 or visit online at www.acornenergycoop.org

Weatherization Training Camps This Summer

2009-05-23T08:00:00.002-04:00

Weatherization Works

The Vermont Department of Labor and Center for Sustainable Practices at Vermont Tech are recruiting participants ages 18-24, to learn weatherization job skills during a two week residential camp.

Two sessions will be offered at the Vermont Tech Randolph Campus to learn safe work practices for the installation of weatherization materials. Participants upon completion will receive employer recognized certifications.

Hands on training in:

• Weather stripping

• Insulation

• Ventilation

• Glazing & Caulking

• Air sealing

First Week

Orientation

OSHA-10

Equipment & tool review

Building Assets

Second Week

Hands on training in the field

Using skills learned

Next Steps for Employment

Evaluation & Graduation

Session 1 June 15-June 26

Session 2 July 13-July 24

Contact your local Vermont Department of Labor Resource Center to review training eligibility requirements.

Barre 802-476-2600

Burlington 802-863-7676

Bennington 802-442-6376

Brattleboro 802-254-4555

Morrisville 802-888-4545

Middlebury 802-388-4921

Newport 802-334-6545

Rutland 802-786-5837

Springfield 802-885-2167

St. Albans 802-524-6585

St. Johnsbury 802-748-3177

White River 802-295-8805

Perfect Power Conference - May 22

2009-05-12T08:24:00.004-04:00

Perfect Power
Local Power on a Smart Grid
Northeast Conference

May 22, 2009
Equinox Resort, Manchester Village, Vermont

Join this conference as we focus on distributed energy solutions such as customer-sited, combined heat and power projects, district heating systems, community wind plants, targeted energy efficiency measures, smart grids, and much more. These diverse energy solutions can help us to build more resilient communities with higher levels of energy security. Come early for the pre-event networking reception the night before the conference.

Friday, May 22 - Keynote Address
Michele Tihami, Global Policy and Regulatory Leader, IBM
IBM will discuss SMART GRID: Vermont's Energy Economy Platorm.

Visit the conference website.

Register for the conference.

**Come to the RRPC Energy meeting to coordinate a carpool, or check The Bus schedules - there are four trips between Rutland and Manchester six days a week for only $2!

Electric Energy Conservation in Ruland City

2009-05-11T14:37:00.004-04:00

With an unstable economy and high energy prices to balance, everyone is looking for ways to cut costs. The Rutland Herald recently reported on ways that Rutland City's Department of Public Works is looking to save money. Their potential strategies include collecting revenue for participating in a program to take the sewer plan off the grid in an energy emergency, and using new technology to make energy out of captured biogas.

Read the article here:
DPW tries to save a buck: Rutland Herald Online

Posted using ShareThis

April Meeting Summary

2009-04-27T09:06:00.005-04:00

We are very excited to see the continued interest in the RRPC Energy Committee's work. At the April meeting, our commissioners were joined by representatives from the Rutland Energy Committee, Rutland Redevelopment Authority and Tinmouth Energy Committee, as well as citizens from the towns of Wallingford and City of Rutland.

Eric Mach began the meeting with a round of introductions and approval of the meeting notes from the March meeting.

Staff members Susan Schreibman and Sara Gilbert briefly introduced the Way to Go! Program and explained that there are four local sponsors of the event (see instructions below), and passed out informational packets to the commissioners. Several commissions and guests also agreed to contact area businesses and organizations, such as Community College of Vermont, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Hubbardton Forge, the Rutland Free Library, the Towns of Pawlet and Sudbury, the Rutland State Office Building, the Killington Planning Commission, the Curbstone Chorus, area Rotary Clubs, and the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rutland. Commissioners also planned to spread the word at Green-Up Day events.

Guest Speaker

Deb Sachs, Director, Community Climate Action and 10% Challenge Program

Way to Go! Program

The committee was very pleased to welcome Deb Sachs as our guest speaker. Deb presented a brief history of the Way to Go! Program, which is in its 14^th year (under various names). The program is made possible through partnerships with state and local level partner non-profits, as well as through collaboration with businesses around the state.

Deb gave several examples of businesses that are participating in the program:

Merchants Bank is a participating sponsor. Lack of parking spaces caused them to incentivize commuting options such as carpooling, taking the bus, walking and biking.
Ben and Jerry’s used a large map to help employees form carpools by indicating their origin towns on the map.
Businesses encouraging healthier commuting patterns have even seen lower insurance premiums as a result.

Deb shared some key facts that demonstrate the need to encourage healthier commuting patterns:

Almost half of greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont are from transportation, there for transportation solutions will be a key aspect of our overall effort to decrease pollution.
There is a growing demand for annual vehicle miles traveled in Vermont: the average Vermonter drives 17,000 miles per year.
The cost of car ownership and operation can be up to $5,000-$6,000 per year.

This year, the Way to Go! Program has added a Community Challenge. Merchants Bank is sponsoring a bike rack, which will go to the winning community. Deb encouraged the commissioners to get their selectboards to declare Way to Go! Week, passing around a sample Community Proclamation, which can also be downloaded from the web.

To wrap up the presentation, Deb took questions from commissioners and guests, who debated the pros and cons of alternative commuting patterns and explained specific challenges. Staff members at the meeting spoke in favor of changing behavior patterns in order to commute in a healthier way at least some of the time. Deb commented that even if a person is able to commute for only day a week, that saves them up to 20% of their commuting cost!

At the end of the meeting, several commissioners indicated an interest in signing up for the program and telling their communities about it.

Upcoming Meetings Schedule

May 19th - Efficiency Vermont and Geographic Targeting in the Rutland Region. Bob Murphy of Efficiency Vermont will explain their outreach efforts in the Rutland area.
June 16th - topic to be announced!

Resources

Sign up for Way to Go! at www.waytogovt.org. You can also download promotional materials at the site and spread the word!
GoVermont will be launched in June. Visit www.connectingcommuters.org.
Businesses and individuals - take the 10% Challenge! Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by 10%. Visit www.10percentchallenge.org to find out more.

Thanks to the Town of Shrewsbury for posting a link to Way to Go! on the town’s webpage!

Getting Around Portland, OR

2009-04-23T11:18:00.002-04:00

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission's recent blog post "Getting Around Portland, OR" takes the reader on a short, illustrated tour of alternative transportation options in Portland.

Read the article here.

Douglas, officials spar over energy plan: Rutland Herald Online

2009-04-23T11:03:00.003-04:00

This morning's Herald reports:

"Gov. James Douglas started his Earth Day on Wednesday morning by honoring Vermonters who plant trees with a special proclamation during a ceremony on the Statehouse lawn.

Thirty minutes later, the Republican governor stood in his ceremonial Statehouse office and explained to reporters exactly why he opposed a major renewable-energy bill supported by environmental groups that was on track to be approved by the Vermont House...."

Read the whole article:
Douglas, officials spar over energy plan: Rutland Herald Online

What do you think? Post your comments below!

Posted using ShareThis

Renewable Energy on Contaminated Sites

2009-04-17T12:11:00.002-04:00

DOE Webcast April 22 for State and Local Officials: Renewable Energy on Contaminated Lands

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Technical Assistance Project (TAP) for state and local officials is offering a webcast on how to develop renewable energy projects on contaminated or old industrial sites, also known as "brownfields." The presentation will take place Wednesday, April 22, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, and is titled "Taking it from Brown to Green: Renewable Energy on Contaminated Lands."

In addition to learning how to identify brownfield sites where renewable energy projects are feasible, you will hear about case studies in the Southwest and learn about tools that support project development. Finally, you will be able to ask questions of the presenters and interact with them after the event on the TAP webcast Blog.

The presenters will be Otto VanGeet and Misty Conrad from DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Brian K. Johnson from the New Mexico Energy Conservation and Management Division, and Pam Swingle from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 Office of Pollution Prevention and Innovation in Atlanta, Georgia.

The webcast is free of charge, but you must register in advance to obtain the URL for the presentation and call-in phone number. You can register online, find more information about the presenters, and read background materials and reports on the TAP Webcast section of the DOE Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program Web site.

Regional Energy Committee

2009-04-15T09:30:00.003-04:00

The RRPC Energy Committee will hold its monthly meeting next Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the Asa Bloomer Building in Rutland, VT.

The April meeting will focus on transportation and energy efficiency.

Quick fact:
According to the 2005-2007 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates, 79% of workers in Rutland County commuted to work by driving alone. The average commuting time was 19 minutes.

Come to the meeting and learn about how your business, community or school can compete in the Way to Go! Commuter Challenge (read more!). The program challenges Vermonters to find healthier, safer, and more environmentally friendly ways to get to work, school and play.

This initiative is growing every year and has expanded far beyond its original roots in Chittenden County. Last year, ten of the twenty-seven communities in the Rutland Region participated.

All participants are entered into prize raffles and can access coupons for 10 cent bus rides and free martials arts lessons, among other great benefits.
Visit the Way to Go! website.

Congratulations to Middletown Springs, one of last year's winning schools!

Rutland County Sponsors
Just show your Way to Go! registration page at the following Rutland County businesses (coupons coming soon - but bringing in your registration page will work just fine).

Vermont Martial Arts Academy
Two free weeks for new members!
www.koroken.com

Vermont Sport and Fitness
One week pass!
www.vermontsportandfitness.com

The Bus - Marble Valley Regional Transit
Ten cent fares May 4 - 15, plus FREE day on May 8!
www.thebus.com

Sensible Shoe
Ten percent off a pair of shoes! (Restrictions apply)
www.sensibleshoe.com

Planning For Vermont's Electric Transmission Future

2009-04-09T15:02:00.002-04:00

VELCO LEADS VERMONT’S NEW PROCESS FOR ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION RELIABILITY PLANNING

The public is invited to review and provide input on Vermont Electric Power Company’s (VELCO) Long Range Transmission Plan -- Public Review Draft set for release in early April. The document is part of a collaboratively designed planning process approved by Vermont’s Public Service Board (PSB) in 2007. The plan, which looks out 20 years and must be updated every three, identifies transmission upgrades that may be needed to maintain reliability and where generation and demand reduction could potentially address those reliability needs. The new 20-year planning horizon offers additional opportunities for public input and is intended to provide ample time for “full, fair and timely consideration” of alternatives to building transmission. The draft plan will be on-line and available at www.velco.com/publicoutreach.

Public outreach related to the draft plan will be conducted during April and May. VELCO is working with the Snelling Center for Government to design and execute an extensive statewide public outreach process, which will include traditional and electronic media to publicize the plan’s release, a website to share the findings of VELCO’s technical analysis and to gather public input, engagement of key regional partners, and six public forums at locations around Vermont.

The forums will include an overview of the analysis, information kiosks on key issues, facilitated discussions, and the opportunity to meet with VELCO staff and representatives of local electric distribution utilities. Refreshments will be served.

The public forums are scheduled as follows:

Monday, April 27 at 5:30 pm
Holiday Inn, Rutland

Wednesday, April 29 at 5:30 pm
Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee

Tuesday, May 5 at 5:30 pm
Sheraton Hotel, Burlington

Thursday, May 7 at 5:30 pm
Catamount Arts Academy, St. Johnsbury

Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 pm
Marlboro Tech Center, Brattleboro

Monday, May 18 at 1:30 pm
VT College of Fine Arts, Montpelier

For questions please contact VELCO at (802) 282-2631 or e-mail publicoutreach@velco.com.

To request sign language interpretation, please contact publicoutreach@velco.com at least one week prior to the event.

Tinmouth Community Wind Forum

2009-04-02T16:39:00.001-04:00

Community Wind Forum

Monday April 6, 2009 7:30

Tinmouth Community Center

TINMOUTH: A Community Wind Forum will be held on Monday April 6, 2009 at 7:30 at the Tinmouth Community Center to discuss and ask questions about the large industrial wind project under development in Ira, Tinmouth, Middletown, Clarendon, Poultney and West Rutland. The developer, Vermont Community Wind, will give a brief presentation with lots of time for questions from citizens and towns. This development has the potential to visually and audibly affect these towns and their residents, as well as provide tax revenue. Is this a good deal for your town? Come and ask questions and find out more. The Vermont Community Wind website has a map of the proposed development at http://vtcomwind.com/VCWFGallery.html. This forum is being hosted by citizens of Tinmouth who want to know more about the proposed development. For more information, contact Marshall Squier at 235-2718 or mosquier@vermontel.net.

Solarfest tickets go on sale this week!

2009-03-30T14:38:00.002-04:00

SolarFest 2009
Mark your calendars: July 10, 11 & 12, 2009

For 15 years, demonstrating the power of positive energy!

SolarFest 2009 promises to be their best festival ever. Three days of world-class musicians, dancers and performance artists, a stellar line-up of speakers, and over 70 workshops on renewable energy and sustainability topics are planned.

Visit the Solarfest website, www.solarfest.org, for information about sponsorship opportunities, vendor applications, workshop registration, and more. Tickets go on sale starting April 1st. Their traditional Early Bird Weekend pass is available through June 15th.

Way to Go! Challenge promotion

2009-03-25T12:28:00.007-04:00

The RRPC is collaborating with the Rutland Area Physical Activity Coalition (RAPAC), Marble Valley Regional Transit ("The Bus"), and town energy committees to promote the Way to Go! Commuter Challenge.

The Way to Go! Commuter Challenge is an annual program encouraging the use of cheaper, healthier, and more earth-friendly transportation alternatives.

May 4 - 8

Sign up online to see how much money and pollution you will save during the Way to Go! week.
You will entered to win prizes.
Encourage your coworkers and friends to sign up too! Compete to be winning business or school!
Energize your community and place of work around energy use!

The RRPC, RAPAC and The Bus are currently contacting potential local sponsors - we will keep you posted!

March Meeting Summary

2009-03-24T15:47:00.008-04:00

Thanks to everyone who attended the March 17th meeting of the RRPC Energy Committee!

Our discussion again benefited from the participation of town energy committees, a local high school, and several interested citizens.

Nancy Burzon of the Rutland Region Workforce Investment Board presented information about workforce training in our Region. She presented several key reports and resources around existing workforce training programs and about the green economy, including The Green Collar Economy (these will appear in the draft minutes). Nancy stated that there is a general lack of energy for the green economy right now, in spite of the fact there is a great need for retraining and for job creation.

Nancy is working with Stafford Technical Center and also is considering organizing a forum to gather more detailed information about what the needed training should look like. Anyone wishing to work with Nancy on this project can contact her at njburzon@vermontel.net.

Michael Fannin and Steve Spatz made a joint presentation about past and present experiences with weatherization projects. Michael shared his experience as a member of a federally-funded Home Energy Audit Team in Vermont during the 1980s. He explained that these teams focused on minimizing fuel use. The teams were well trained, fully insured, and provided satisfying jobs to displaced workers. He suggested that the RRPC's role could be to act as a clearinghouse of information about home energy efficiency to the public.

Steve Spatz then presented information about current home energy efficiency and safety training programs available to builders and contractors today and explained the different training programs and sets of standards. He stated that the public needs to be educated about the fact that there are opportunities to have this kind of work done, the fact that there is funding available to a broad range of residents to help pay for the work, and about the health and safety aspects of home weatherization. He emphasized the importance of viewing buildings as a complete system, and advocated for a focused effort to improve the efficiency of the existing housing stock.

Thank you to all of our speakers!

Upcoming Meetings Schedule

April 21st - Transportation and Energy Efficiency. The Committee will learn about the Vermont Way to Go! program.

May 19th - Efficiency Vermont and Geographic Targeting in the Rutland Region. Bob Murphy of Efficiency Vermont will explain their outreach efforts in the Rutland area.

Resources

Visit the RRPC Energy Committee website for news, events, funding opportunities and more: http://rrpcenergy.blogspot.com. Look for a link to our draft minutes for the March meeting in April.
The enclosed list of resources was compiled by Steven Spatz of Redbarn Design and Build, LLC, to assist local energy conservation committees in their efforts to expand the accessibility of energy auditing and weatherization services to residents throughout Rutland County. Thanks, Steve!
Read an article in The New Yorker about Van Jones, author of The Green Collar Economy (2008).
Download a copy of the VECAN Town Energy and Climate Action Guide that Paul Markowitz, Coordinator of the Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club, presented in the full commission meeting.

Green Energy Expo - March 21

2009-03-16T16:33:00.006-04:00

The Addison County Green Energy Expo is happening this weekend!

The event is held at the Middlebury Union High School from 9 am to 4:30 on Saturday March 21, 2009.

The Expo features demos, products and services. You can get more details by visiting their website.

Interested in carpooling from the Rutland area? The RRPC will be gathering up an email list starting on Tuesday night, March 17 (tomorrow - details at right) at our monthly meeting. Get your name on the list - emails will be shared with the list and people will be able to get in touch and arrange their own carpools. Or, just email sgilbert@rutlandrpc.org before Wednesday morning at 10 am to get on the list.

ACORN Energy Co-op

2009-03-16T15:43:00.001-04:00

The new ACORN Energy Co-op invites everyone to their special launch meeting on Wednesday March 18, 2009 from 7 - 9 pm at Middlebury Ilsley Library. The group's organizers will explain its origin, plans, and member benefits.

They have a great website where you can find more details:
www.acornenergycoop.com.

New England Grassroots Environmental Fund

2009-03-15T14:41:00.000-04:00

Small Grants Program

This grant opportunity is for small nonprofit and ad hoc community groups. The next due date is for May 1, 2009.

Click for details.

What Can Communities Do?

2009-03-13T08:00:00.004-04:00

At last week's VIT workshop "Putting Energy Planning Into Action", Alex Weinhagen, Director of Planning and Zoning in the Town of Hinesburg, shared a few ideas about what towns can be doing about energy issues.

His list is a great resource to share with people in your town, especially if your enthusiasm for organizing around these issues is met with the question that I often get: "But what difference can a small town really make?" I've put down just a handful of his ideas - for a digital copy of his entire handout, email Sara at sgilbert@rutlandrpc.org.

Project: Work with Efficiency Vermont to do energy audits for municipal buildings.
Community Involvement: Make sure your newly revised Town Plan addresses energy issues in depth, and clearly supports them.
Zoning Opportunities: Create minimum expectations for energy efficiency and renewable energy. For example, require all new homes to meet energy efficiency standards beyond state minimums.
Project: Create a municipal park and ride and encourage your neighbors to use it. See the State of Vermont's Go Vermont program information.

Like what you're reading?
Come to the RRPC's monthly meeting and hear Paul Markowitz, Coordinator of the Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club, give the VECAN talk
"Vermont Communities Tackle Energy and Climate Change"
Paul will explain everything you need to know about starting an energy committee in your town, why to do it, how to do it, and what to do once you form a committee.
March 17 - 7:00
Room 266, Asa Bloomer Building
Merchants Row, Rutland City
For details, call 775-0871 or visit http://rutlandrpc.org.

"Putting Energy Planning Into Action" workshop notes

2009-03-12T11:24:00.010-04:00

Last Thursday, March 5th, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) and the Regional Planning Commissions presented "Putting Energy Planning Into Action" via Vermont Interactive Television (VIT).

At the Rutland location we welcomed the Commissioners from Brandon and Sudbury, as well as current and (we hope) future town Energy Committee members representing the towns of West Rutland, Tinmouth and Wallingford.

Karen Horn, VLTC Public Policy and Advocacy, presented a legislative update covering proposed changes that will influence how towns in Vermont enact alternative energy initiatives. The topics ranged from the creation of a state hydroelectric authority to establishing clean energy assessment districts to giving priority to Vermonts when building renewable energy projects.

Three presenters shared their experiences on the topic of "Initiating and Implementing Energy Policy", which was followed by a roundtable discussion. The presenters inlcuded: Joshua Schwartz, Exec Director, Mad River Valley Planning District; Alex Weinhagen, Director of Planning and Zoning, Town of Hinesburg; and Bob Walker, Energy Committee Chair, Town of Thetford.

Check in again tomorrow - Alex Weinhagen's ideas for what communities can actually do will be posted right here!

In the meantime, check out Bob Walker's suggested resources:

Town Energy and Climate Action Guide
EarthRight Institute's Guide to Town Energy Planning in Vermont

Meeting Notes - February Meeting

2009-03-03T14:57:00.004-05:00

You can now read the meeting notes from February's energy committee meeting by clicking here.

Two Events Next Thursday

2009-02-19T14:24:00.006-05:00

Next Thursday, Feb 26, there will be two energy related events happening outside the Region.

Hydropower Workshop in Middlebury

Ben Gordesky of Earthbound Services will present on Community Hydroelectric Power Projects. Please join him at the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, 14 Seminary Street, Middlebury, from 7 -9 pm.

For more information, call 802-388-3141 or email Elizabeth Golden egolden@sover.net.

Regional Energy Meeting, Montpelier

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission and the Climate Action Network are hosting a Central Vermont Regional Energy Network meeting on Thursday Feb. 26, 2009, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm in the Memorial Room of Montpelier City Hall. See their post.

The focus of the meeting will be on what communities can do to to promote alternative and public transportation, featuring speakers from VTrans, 10% Challenge, and the Green Mountain Transit Agency. Food and beverages will be provided.

RSVP or questions: Contact Clare at clarerock@cvregion.com or call 802-229-0389.

Energy Conservation for Your Home

2009-02-19T14:14:00.002-05:00

This Saturday, Feb. 21, the McKernon Group is hosting a free community seminar on Energy Conservation in the Home from 9 am to 12 pm at their facility.

The purpose of the seminar is to provide information on home energy efficiency - learn how to make your home or business energy efficient using green products and technologies. The seminar will cover many topics and tools, including: insulation (spray foam, concrete forms, and window shades), thermal storage heaters, thermally efficient windows, wind turbines, solar electric and hot water, recycled roofing material, geothermal systems, water conservation, and site planning to make best use of natural resources.

Please RSVP via email or phone so that appropriate arrangement can be made:
info@mckernongroup.com or 247-8500 (or 88-484-4200).

Two Grants due Next Week

2009-02-19T13:59:00.003-05:00

Two grant opportunities have deadlines at the end of next week:

Biofuels Grant Funding: On-Farm Biodiesel Facility
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund is offering this grant to further the development of a biomass-to-biofuels industry in Vermont. Eligible projects will further the development and implementation of this industry.
Due Date: Feb. 27, 2009

Clean Energy Development Fund
This grant program will consider proposals for state projects that promote the development and deployment of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable electric power resources for the long-term benefit of Vermont electric customers. There are four separate grant categories.
Due Date: Feb 27, 2009

Comments, Anyone?

2009-02-17T15:58:00.007-05:00

Better Buildings By Design Conference

Efficiency Vermont hosted the Better Buildings by Design Conference in Burlington on February 11 and 12. Did you go to the conference? What did you learn?

Conference materials will be available on their website by February 27.

Ethanol in Trouble?

2009-02-13T08:40:00.004-05:00

The New York Times reports that with gasoline prices slumping and corn prices steady, the immediate future of ethanol looks dim. When Congress mandated that refiners blend ethanol into the nation's gasoline fuel supply in 2007, everyone expected the ethanol industry to keep growing. Now it looks like the moderate ethanol production goals set less than two years ago will not even be met. Read the article.

Efficiency Vermont: Geographic Targeting in Rutland

2009-02-10T14:09:00.007-05:00

Efficiency Vermont's Geographic Targeting program now includes some areas of Rutland County.

Georgraphic Targeting is a strategy Efficiency Vermont is using that directs energy efficiency efforts toward targeted Vermont geographic areas to help relieve the electric load on constrained transmission and distribution systems.

A constrained transmission and distribution system is an area where the demand for power on sub-stations and power lines is at or near capacity during periods of peak demand for electricity. These peak demand periods typically occur during the hottest days of the summer or coldest days of the winter. As electricity demand increases, the need to take action, either to upgrade the electric transmission and distribution infrastructure or to reduce the load becomes more critical to prevent possible power interruptions.

Efficiency Vermont's Geographic Targeting effort, if successful, will demonstrate lower cost ways to accomodate growing electricity demands. More expensive alternatives to Geographic Targeting include upgrading electric transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Efficiency Vermont has set a 3 year savings goal for the Geographic Targeting efforts in the Rutland area:

Reduce summer demand by at least 2,234 kW by the end of 2011.

For more information, click here.

Energy Usage by City: a data table for the Rutland Region

2009-02-03T13:45:00.006-05:00

This data set was provided to the RRPC by Efficiency Vermont in January 2009. It lists total annual kWh for each city (city names correspond to zip code areas). Click on the table to view a larger image.

2009-02-03T13:29:00.011-05:00

The data presented was supplied to the Regional Planning Commission by Efficiency Vermont in January 2009. Click on any of the graphs to see a larger image.

A Milestone Toward Carbon Neutrality

2009-01-30T15:41:00.002-05:00

President Ronald D. Liebowitz and the members of the Middlebury College Board of Trustees cordially invite you to join them for the opening of the College's new biomass energy plant.
Middlebury scholar in residence and noted environmentalist and author Bill McKibben will speak on What Gives a College Power:
On Being a Learning, Teaching Community at a Moment of Change.

The lecture will be followed by a virtual tour of the biomass plant.

Thursday, February 19, 2009
4:30 p.m. Light refreshments, 5:00 p.m. Lecture McCullough Student Center, Middlebury College Middlebury, Vermont

The biomass facility is the cornerstone of the College's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2016. The new "green" energy plant, which burns wood chips and other forms of biomass to produce heat and electricity, will reduce Middlebury's carbon emissions by 40 percent and cut its use of fuel oil by a million gallons each year. The College hopes that by proving the practicality and cost effectiveness of this alternative technology, it will inspire other institutions and businesses to step toward greater use of renewable fuels and reductions in carbon emissions.

Space is limited. RSVP by Friday, February 6 to 888.846.6433 or vermont@middlebury.edu

Town Energy Planning

2009-01-30T10:44:00.000-05:00

Check out this reading list is, geared specifically to town energy planning issues.

Vermont Natural Resources Council Primer on Energy Planning

12 slides briefly explain how energy planning fits into the State of Vermont Planning Goals, as well as into other land use planning. (You can also visit the VNRC Energy Program site.)

Energy Coordinator
The Vermont League of Cities and Towns presents the roles and responsibilities of a Town Energy Coordinator.

Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Renewable Energy
The Vermont Land Use Education and Training Collaborative presents Appendix A to their Implementation Manual.

Related Documents

Climate Change at the Local Level
The Vermont League of Cities and Towns presents brief summaries of recent climate change research and the tools (state law and nonprofit resources) available to municipalities that wish to address climate change at the local level. Includes an Energy Saving Checklist of efficiency measures for towns to consider implementing.

If committee members have trouble downloading documents, they should contact the RRPC to have a digital copy sent to them.

Vermont Community Climate Change Grants

2009-01-30T09:12:00.001-05:00

The Vermont Community Climate Change Grant Program has been established by the Department of Environmental Conservation to enable Vermont communities to implement measures that will improve energy efficiency and reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions in the near term. Grants of up to $12,000 are available to Vermont municipalities and non-profit organizations to support community based projects that will be implemented within twelve months of the grant award.

This grant program is intended to assist with implementation of projects planned or identified by town energy committees and local energy groups. In that regard, these groups and committees are encouraged to partner with their municipality or a non-profit organization to submit a grant application.

Proposals will be considered in two separate funding rounds, with application due dates of February 2, 2009 and April 1, 2009. Contact the RRPC at 775-0871 or through our website.

Read up on Energy Planning in Vermont

2009-01-30T06:26:00.001-05:00

One of the RRPC Energy Committee's goals will be to assist towns who want to start an Energy Committee. At present, four towns in the Region have town energy committees: Benson, Middletown Springs, Rutland City and Tinmouth (let us know if you have an energy committee that is not listed here). The Vermont Rural Energy Council has produced a report that should provide a helpful guide to major energy issues in our State.

Take a moment to become familary with the Statewide conversation on energy:

Strengthening Vermont's Energy Economy: Final Report and Recommendations of the Vermont Rural Energy Council (2007)

Upcoming Workshop - March 2009

2009-01-09T00:05:00.002-05:00

Energy Conservation and the Municipal Plan

March 5, 2009

Sponsored by VLCT Municipal Assistance Center and Vermont RPCs

Location: Vermont Interactive Television sites throughout Vermont
Time: 7:00 pm
Contact: Amanda Moshinskie (info@vlct.org)
Phone: 802/229-9111
Fax: 802/229-2211
Price: TBA

Delivered in the evening via interactive television, this workshop will focus on the requirements of the Energy Element within the Town Plan. Particular attention will be paid to the connection between energy conservation and land use, energy policy and implementation strategies, and the role of the Energy Coordinator.

December VECAN Conference - Handouts

2009-01-08T12:25:00.003-05:00

You can now access handouts and power point presentations from the 12/6/08 Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network statewide conference at the VECAN website:

www.vecan.net

Just click on the "VECAN Hosts Successful Energy Conference" link. And check out the rest of the site while you are there.

VECAN is encouraging energy committees to begin adding informaton about your activities to your "Energy Committee" page. To begin editing your page on the VECAN site, you must first contact John Odum (jodum@vnrc.org or 802-223-2328 x121) and tell him what you would like to use for a user name and password. The user name should be specific to you as each committee can have multiple editors. John will then assign those for you and you will be set to start adding information on your energy committee's page. John can give you more information on adding material to your page. If your committee is not currently listed on the VECAN site, when you contact John, please send him your committee's name, contact person, phone # and email address, along with your user name and password, and and ask him to set you up.

Energy Efficiency and Mobile Homes

2008-12-26T09:43:00.004-05:00

HUD provides a practical guide focused on mobile homes. The guide is comprised of energy-saving tips, techniques, and recommendations for owners of manufactured (mobile) homes. It recognizes that all homes can benefit from cost-effective measures to improve energy efficiency, that technologies have advanced, and that energy costs are rising. The guide also explains ten categories of energy saving techniques accompanied by information on the approximate cost and skill level of each technique, the climate in which the technique is most appropriate, and an indication of which ones will lead to greater energy savings.

Download the guide in pdf form (45 pages).

The Manufactured Housing Research Alliance, in cooperation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Partnership of Advanced Technology in Housing, prepared this guide.

Municipal Education Grants (MEGs)

2008-12-24T11:18:00.002-05:00

Municipal Education Grants are available from the Vermont Dept of Housing and Community Affairs again this year.

Program Information

The Municipal Education Grant program (MEG) provides municipalities with funds for training volunteer boards and commissions to help them perform their duties as defined under 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117. The fund is designed to bring trainers directly to the community so that all members of the land use boards and commissions have the opportunity for basic and on-going education.

Municipalities may apply for a grant of up to $800 any time before May 15, 2009. The state will reimburse the municipality for the grant amount after the training has taken place and expenses have been paid.

State's Draft Energy Plan

2008-12-24T06:50:00.007-05:00

The State of Vermont is currently taking comments on their draft Energy Plan. The document is an update of the 1998 plan and is intended to lay out how the state will meet its energy needs over the next twenty years.

A draft of the plan was released in May 2008 (read the press release).

Comment on the Plan.
There was a public meeting on October 8, 2008 held in Rutland, VT, in addition to several other public forums around the state.

Read VNRC's comments on the draft.

Watch Addison County Monthly Energy Programs

2008-12-23T12:20:00.008-05:00

The Energy Committee was inspired by Elizabeth Golden from the Addision County Regional Planning Commission. Golden shared her experiences as a citizen and planner on the ACRPC Energy Committee at the November meeting of the RRPC.

The ACRPC Energy Committee is very active and presents monthly educational forums, which are open to the public. Middlebury Community Television records the presentations and posts them on their website. Take advantage of this great resource and check them out! The videos are posted under the Governmental section.