This year’s Local Energy Alternatives Festival (L.E.A.F.) is scheduled for September 18, from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The festival will be followed by a Gubernatorial Candidate’s Forum on Vermont’s Energy Future. Most activities will be in or near the Bradford Academy Building on Rte 5, with many activities scheduled throughout the downtown. There will be tours of the hydroelectric plant, solar home tours, a fun walk fundraiser for the library, a farmer’s market, kid’s science activities, kid’s craft activities, and boatloads of workshops, demos, and discussions!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about how you can save money on everything from energy to food, support local farms, and more, this is THE event of the season!

Local Energy Alternatives Festival Flyer

For more information and a schedule, see the LEAF website at:
http://www.LEAFVT.org

EXTREMELY Low Cost Solar Hot Water!

Bob Nuttelman is clearing out some inventory, and has arranged a great deal for customers in the Upper Connecticut River Valley of VT and NH:

Get a 20-tube evacuated tube collector for only $600!

A trip to the local home center will get you all the other parts you need to store and move the water for about $700.

Think about it: for $1,300 (one panel for a family of 2) to $1,900 (two panels for a family of 4) you can meet your family’s domestic hot water needs for decades! This is an unbelievably good deal, for a system that will provide almost all the domestic hot water you need (dishwashing, clothes washing, tap water, and showering)!

Give Bob a call at: 413-883-3960 or email: bnuttelman@gmail.com

Since a limited number of panels is available, if you can’t reach Bob, you can contact Nancy at Green Energy Times, and she’ll try to make sure Bob knows you’re interested. Green Energy Times can make no guarantee of availability. We’re guessing these will go very quickly!

210 Watt Solar Electric (PV) Panels Only $150/Watt

Backwoods Solar (see their ad in the current issue) is offering REC brand 210 watt panels at $1.50 per watt! There is a catch, though: you need to buy by the pallet of 30. This is enough to power two typical homes, so it’s time to ask a friend or neighbor if they want to split a pallet with you – for under $5k each, you’ll both get enough panels to power your home. You’ll still need additional equipment and a competent installer to hook it all up, but it’s hard to beat this price for your panels!

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Groton, VT – Notice of Public Hearing

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM

The Town of Groton is considering entering an agreement to install a 26 array photovoltaic system on property owned by the Town between Clarks Landing and Wells River, VT. A public hearing will be held at the Groton Town Hall, 1476 Scott Highway, Groton, VT 05046 at 7 pm on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, to obtain the views of the citizens of the community on the entire project.

The electricity generated by the system will offset 100% of the cost of electricity that the Town of Groton pays Green Mountain Power each year, and 40% of the energy needs of Blue Mountain School.

Under a proposed agreement, Groton and Blue Mountain Union School would pay $1,000 to AllEarth Renewables to install the arrays. They would them pay AllEarth 19¢ per Kilowatt hour generated by the system. Green Mountain Power will credit the Town and BMU 19.2¢, plus 6¢ for the solar incentive.

Copies of the proposed agreement are available at the Town Clerk’s Office, 1467 Scott Highway, Groton, VT 05046 and may be viewed during the hours of 9 am to 5 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 am to noon on Wednesday and Friday.

Public Hearing Notice from ‘The Bridge Weekly Sho-Case’, August 24, 2010, page 24

Vermont Receives $5.7 Million For

Local Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Efforts

WASHINGTON, August 26 – Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today announced $5.7 million in federal funding to help Vermont households utilize “smart meter” systems and install solar thermal and solar hot water technologies.

The non-profit Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, which operates Efficiency Vermont, will administer a $700,000 project to complement smart grid technology being deployed across the state due to an earlier $69 million stimulus investment.  This outreach project will install energy use monitors and provide information and access to technical support to help approximately 750 low-income households better understand their energy use and identify savings opportunities.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program has awarded $5 million in federal stimulus funding for solar thermal and solar hot water technologies through local agencies in Barre, Burlington, Derby, Hinesburg, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, and Westminster.

Leahy said, “Vermont is a national leader in using the Weatherization Program’s stimulus funds for cost and energy savings for low-income households.  It’s encouraging that so many local agencies have come together to ensure that these investments are made in our state.  With our older housing stock and longer winters, these investments are likely to save Vermont families far more than the national average of $400 a year in reduced energy costs.”

Sanders said, “There is little doubt in my mind that in the years to come the energy mix in this state will be very different than it is today – with a far greater reliance on energy efficiency and sustainable energy.  This federal support will be a major step forward in moving our state toward a greener economy.”

Welch, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and author of the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act, said, “For years, Vermont has led the way in showing the nation that investing in energy efficiency creates jobs, saves homeowners money and reduces harmful carbon emissions. This additional $5.7 million award recognizes Vermont’s past successes, while paving the way for future savings.”

The PSB approval of our (CVPS) plan is a major milestone.  Their plan is for an interconnected, automated system.  The plan should help in better integrating new renewable sources of energy, improve storm management and response, allow remote meter reading, connections and disconnections, help control operating costs, help balance power with rising and falling demand, and provide customers with more information to help them make wise energy choices. CVPS believes there will be environmental, system and economic benefits.

PSB Approves CVPS SmartPower™ plan

Magazine: CVPS among most intelligent utilities

NEWS Release
Aug. 26, 2010                                            Contact: Steve Costello, CVPS (802) 747-5427 or page (802) 742-3062

RUTLAND, VT – A major utility trade publication has listed Central Vermont Public Service (NYSE-CV) as one of the 25 most intelligent electric utilities – just as the Vermont Public Service Board has approved the company’s CVPS SmartPower™ plan.

Intelligent Utility, a publication of Energy Central, a leading utility information resource that produces numerous magazines, events, newsletters and direct marketing resources, named CVPS No. 16 on its annual list of the top 25 intelligent utilities.  “The Intelligent Utility rating is another acknowledgement that our employees continue to do what is necessary to stay on the forefront of good utility operations for the benefit of customers and shareholders alike,” CVPS President Bob Young said.  “The PSB approval of our plan highlights that as well.”

The magazine designation was based on an analysis of productivity, renewable energy reliance, smart grid efforts, demand response and energy efficiency, and information technology investments. In an article in the latest edition of the magazine, CVPS was given an Intelligent Utility IQ of 127.  Scores of 110 to 119 were described as “Superior,” while scores of 120 to 140 were described as “Very Superior.” Scores over 140 were described as “Near Genius.”  The company’s “Smart Grid IQ” was 161.

“This magazine defines an intelligent utility as a company that applies information to energy, maximizing its reliability, affordability and sustainability from generation to end users,” the magazine said.  “Becoming a more intelligent utility requires more than just technology investments; it requires a real investment in people and processes, too.”

The magazine highlighted the importance of company culture.  “Becoming a more intelligent utility has a lot to do with people,” the magazine said.  “Your employees need to understand your company’s vision, your strategy for getting there, why it’s important to all major stakeholders – including customers and regulators – and what this all means to your employees on a day-to-day basis.”

Young noted that cultural development has been a key focus at CV in recent years. “CV employees continue to use the company’s values – seize opportunities, talk straight and deliver – to worker smarter, find new solutions and exceed customers’ expectations,” Young said.  “They have always demonstrated a commitment to hard work, renewable energy, efficiency and sound investments in technology.

“Today we’re building on those cultural strengths with CVPS SmartPower™, which will further that commitment and provide customers who care to use them with new tools and information to reduce their energy consumption, peak loads and environmental impacts.”

In an order approving the CVPS SmartPower™ plan, the PSB praised CVPS for collaboration through the eEnergy Vermont Project with other utilities, and noted the CVPS plan includes automated metering, two-way communications systems and strategies to introduce new rate designs, including dynamic pricing and demand response programs.  “In combination, smartmeters, new rate designs, educational tools, and communication channels will allow customers to review their energy usage and make decisions that could potentially have a direct impact on their bills,” the PSB said.

The collaboration included a successful federal stimulus grant application that will bring over $68 million to Vermont to help pay for smart-grid technology.  CVPS will receive over $31 million to help pay for the costs of CVPS SmartPower™.  The first new meters will be installed in 2011, when pilot projects will begin.

These first pilots along with consumer outreach will help inform the development of new programs and services that allow customers to take full advantage of smart grid technologies.  For example, one pilot project will focus on identifying the best approach for working with customers to help control peak loads, thereby reducing and controlling the costs of purchasing power when prices are high.

The Intelligent Utility honor is the latest in a string of accolades for CVPS.  J.D. Power and Associates recently ranked Central Vermont Public Service third in the East for customer satisfaction among midsized utilities.  CVPS ranked highest in the East Midsize segment for customer service, second for corporate citizenship and third for communications factors.

Earlier this year, CVPS was recognized by Forbes as one of the 100 Most Trustworthy Companies in America.

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Steve Costello (802) 747-5427     (802) 742-3062 (pager)
For Immediate Release: Aug. 23, 2010

CVPS kicks off Fill the Cupboard Challenge

RUTLAND, Vt. – With the economy lagging and demand for food assistance high, Central Vermont Public Service today announced a 20,000-item goal for the 2010 CVPS Fill the Cupboard Challenge.

The annual event benefits the Rutland Community Cupboard.

Businesses, clubs, schools, sports teams, churches and other organizations are encouraged to register for the challenge, then collect food donations between Sept. 7 and 24 and deliver them to the Rutland Community Cupboard.  CVPS will donate 25 cents to the Cupboard for every item collected, up to a total of $5,000.  The company will also donate $500 in the name of the group that collects the most food.

Participants should pre-register for the challenge by calling Chris Adams at 747-5424.

“This annual event has become critical to the Community Cupboard, and an example of this community’s grit and perseverance,” CVPS spokesman Steve Costello said.  “Dozens of organizations have participated in the past, and we’re hopeful we’ll have broad participation once again.  It’s important to this community.”

In 2009, the Rutland Community Cupboard distributed more than 209,000 items to area residents, serving nearly 500 families each month.

Participants in the Challenge can solicit food donations from employees, customers, vendors or others, and are encouraged to conduct their own food drives as part of the Fill the Cupboard Challenge.

“In the past, people have gotten very creative – offering their own incentives or holding contests around the Challenge to help drive donations,” Costello said.  “Some groups have held fundraisers and then used the money to buy food, while others have gone door to door to collect non-perishable items, or set up donation boxes in their businesses.  Simply asking for help is often all it takes.”

Community Cupboard Manager Sue Bassett said demand remains very high given the economic downturn and high unemployment.  “We’re seeing people who have never asked for help before,” Bassett said.  “The need is real, and it’s serious.  We rely on events like the CVPS challenge to get us through the fall each year.”

Participants may deliver food to the Community Cupboard as often as they like, and should identify their organization as a participant in the Challenge when dropping off food items. Deliveries can be made to the Community Cupboard Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday between 4 and 6 p.m. through Sept. 24.

If you have questions about the Challenge, call Adams at 747-5424.

BURLINGTON, August 19 – Five agencies in Vermont will receive about $4.7 million to provide solar thermal and solar hot water technologies for Vermont families, Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced today.

The funds also may be used to promote bulk buying strategies and cooperative partnerships in buying solar technologies in order to lower the costs of materials.  Community-based marketing approaches to help families save energy and money also may be funded under the grants.

The Vermont grant recipients were among 120 organizations across the country selected to receive $120 million under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program.

The Bennington-Rutland Opportunity Council, Inc., located in Rutland, will receive $900,000.

The Central Vermont Community Action Council, Inc., based in Barre, will receive $900,000.

The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, Inc., located in Burlington and Hinesburg, will receive more than $1.1 million, and will undertake program management and evaluation in addition to the project.

The Northeast Employment & Training Organization, Inc., based in Derby and St. Johnsbury, will receive $900,000.

The South Eastern Vermont Community Action, Inc, located in Westminster, will receive over $900,000.

Vermont leads the nation in taking dramatic steps toward energy efficiency. By making low-income homes more energy efficient, families save an average of $437 on their energy bills, according the U.S. Department of Energy.

Contacts:
Michael Briggs (Sanders): 202 224-5141
David Carle (Leahy): 202 224-3693
Paul Heintz (Welch): 202 226-8346

With the signing of a new contract with Hydro-Quebec, which will provide Vermonters with a baseload supply of clean, renewable energy for 26 years, Vermonters’ focus on electricity supply options has been once again renewed.  That’s good, because we face critical decisions in the coming months and years.

The Hydro-Quebec contract is the best deal we have signed in quite some time.  In the competitive solicitation process conducted last year, none of the renewable-based offers performed close to this deal’s combination of price, firmly scheduled delivery, volume, credit quality, reliability and term.  Bottom line, this is a very good contract for Vermont’s economy, environment and reliability.

The expected 6-cent starting price is akin to our existing contract, and a very attractive price for a firm, renewable, low-emission power supply.  More than 90 percent of the energy will be renewable.

The contract will also prevent large swings in the cost of the energy purchased from HQ.  The contract will benefit our customers by adjusting the price downward if future power market prices decline, and limiting upward increases if market prices increase.

Our HQ energy purchases at Central Vermont Public Service will be a bit smaller than in the past, which means we can continue to support more local renewable projects regardless of the outcome of the Vermont Yankee relicensing and contract negotiations.  Together with our own generation, small power producers and contracts for new renewable energy, these smaller projects will help Vermont maintain what we believe is the cleanest power supply in the nation.

Air emissions at the source of our generation are minimal.  In 2009, just 0.1 percent of CVPS’s identifiable energy deliveries were generated by burning oil.  Just over 3 percent of our supply came from non-specified sources through ISO-New England market purchases or non-renewable purchases from HQ.  We didn’t knowingly purchase any coal-fired energy. In contrast, more than half the electricity generated in the United States comes from dirty coal.

We still have plenty of work to do to complete our power portfolio – developing and expanding our own renewable generation and signing contracts with small and medium-sized local power suppliers.  We also have plans regardless of whether Vermont Yankee is relicensed.

Meantime, we’re also focusing on our transportation emissions, which are of equal concern.  CVPS has steadily expanded its reliance on hybrid and hybrid-electric vehicles, and already has rate options in place to help purchasers of the next generation of all-electric vehicles operate them efficiently.

CVPS plug ’n go™ was created to help hybrid-electric and all-electric vehicle owners charge their cars at off-peak rates, which provides electric-powered transportation for the equivalent of about a dollar per gallon of gas.  It could also play a big role in reducing Vermont’s vehicle emissions, which dwarf emissions from our electricity supply.  To learn more, visit www.cvps.com/plugngo.

The press release below will be going out next week.  However, before we go public we would like to get as many of the environmentalists, peak oil, alternative energy, and sustainability people as possible to take the pledge.  Lisa and I are wondering if:

You and the Green Energy staff would be willing to take the pledge?  Signed
You would be willing to send out notice of the pledge to the your email list?  We did this – you can, too!
You would be willing to post the pledge on your web site with a link to the actual pledge or at least a link to the pledge.  Obviously we did this!

People taking this pledge will be good for the environment, good for farmers, and good for small businesses! And it matches very well your commentary in the last edition! That was a really excellent issue BTW.  Thank you – If you haven’t picked up a copy, you can view it above under the red tab along the top of our home page, later today.

Please note that the pledge list says to the extent possible and applicable!

And you also might be interested to know that next week All Earth Renewables installs an AllSun Tracker on my land. I am so excited.  Kudos to you! This is a huge step towards a sustainable lifestyle and dent in your CO2 emissions, as well as a huge step towards energy independence! :’)

Thanks and I look forward to your response.

George
Pledge to live more sustainably at http://www.vspop.org/htm/VSP-Pledge.htm

First Movie of the Month – “FUEL”

Monday, August 2, Colatina Exit Upstairs
Sponsored by the Bradford Conservation Commission

CHANGE IN PLANS… BCC has decided to go with the movie “FUEL” which is much more recent compared to the previously scheduled Who Killed the Electric Car?

We hope you’ll join us as we wrap up our summer movie series!

6:00 Come early if you’d like to order food and drink.
6:30 Movie begins.