Energy panel debates use for stimulus: Rutland Herald Online

"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 ..."

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NWRPC Tackles Energy

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

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...

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CVPS to build solar-array station: Rutland Herald Online

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Vermont Awarded Energy Money

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.