New tool helps you navigate the complex alternative energy landscape | News, history, features from the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont

Programs and tools are being developed to help people navigate the changing energy world. Last month on Earth Day, Efficiency Vermont (the nation’s first energy efficiency company) announced an online tool to help Vermonters browse the many rebates and incentives currently available. The new “Incentive Calculator” complements other programs at the regional and local levels – several of which will be highlighted in this story.

At the Statehouse Earth Day press conference on April 20, Vermonters unveiled a tool called the “Incentive Calculator.” The tool provides personalized lists of state and federal rebates and incentives for more efficient and climate-friendly household upgrades.

“The goal is integration,” said Peter Walke, managing director of Efficiency Vermont. He said the new tool is intended to help Vermonters of all income levels transition away from fossil fuels and emphasized that the tool is part of the goal of “leaving no one behind.”

A national electrification nonprofit called Rewiring America built this tool after learning about the many programs and incentives that are part of IRAs and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for 2021. The tool uses six information points – zip code, ownership status home, household income, tax filing status, household size, and the utility company serving the user. With just a few clicks, you’ll be presented with a list of all the state and federal tax credits, price reductions, and applicable programs for which an individual qualifies. Information covers everything from how to upgrade your home’s electrical panels, to weatherization programs, to incentives for purchasing eco-friendly kitchen appliances.

Walke listed several reasons why Vermonters should like the new tool. He described the “Motivational Calculator” as reliable, easy to use and “maybe even fun.” If you would like to create your own list of cleantech/energy transition programs you qualify for, visit rewiringamerica.org. In some cases, the incentives that appear on your list are not currently available, but will be available as funds become available in the next few years.

It is a misconception that only the poorest people qualify for programs such as the weather program available in our area, overseen by NETO (North East Employment and Training Organization).

According to information released by Efficiency Vermont in 2023, the median family income in St. Johnsbury is $43,190. In Barnet the average family income is $55,000 and in Lyndon it is $53,536. Now take a look at the maximum income levels listed on the NETO website under which families qualify for free weather. A family of three who earns up to $70,750 is eligible. For two-person homes, the level is $62,900.

In April, Allison Webster stated that the NETO weather program had not used all of its available slots. She said the program benefits homeowners and also provides excellent training for workers interested in working in the “climate change workforce.”

You can apply to participate in the weather program at vtneto.org. The first phase of weatherization is an energy audit. In the second phase, work may include a range of works including insulating walls and ceilings, replacing inefficient equipment and essential building repairs.

Only one opinion about the program says: ‘It was amazing, efficient, timely and meticulous work. In a time when everything is falling apart and there are so few people you can count on, this was our blessing for years to come.”

NETO weather statistics show that, on average, home improvements are in the $10,000 range. This work reduces drafts in homes by an average of 40 percent, and the average project uses about 1,500 square feet of insulation. The NETO weather program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Office of Economic Opportunity.

Erik Schultz, who works for Northeast Kingdom’s (NECKA) social action program called GreenSavingSmart, serves as a human “motivation calculator” in his work and is excited about a new online tool from Rewiring America. He said the group’s website itself is a very valuable source of information.

GreenSavingsSmart provides lower-income Vermonters with certified financial coaches who can review budget challenges and finances in a way that incorporates carbon reduction goals. “If you want to buy an electric vehicle or invest in energy-saving technology but don’t know how to get there, GreenSavingSmart trainers can help you,” reads the title at the top of the program’s home page.

GreenSavingSmart launched in January 2022 as a three-year pilot program. There is no word yet on whether the program will be extended after the three-year period ends in September. Now, sustainable energy incentives aimed at lower- and middle-income Vermonters are finally showing up in federal programs. “Previously, federal and state incentives were most beneficial to higher-income people,” Schultz said.

He urges middle- and low-income Vermonters to start college and plan how to take advantage of available grants and incentives for the energy transition. “I think people need to prepare and be ready,” he said, because he believes the funds available under ARPA and IRA will be used up quickly. To contact a GreenSavingSmart financial coach, visit the NECKA website.

In County Caledonia, local energy committees have been established in Barnet, Danville, Hardwick, Peacham, Ryegate, St. Johnsbury and Sutton. Local energy committees are the backbone of Vermont’s work to transition to a cleaner energy future. A statewide organization, the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) provides support to more than 100 municipal energy committees across the state.

Johanna Miller, director of the Energy and Climate Program at the Natural Resources Board of Vermont and coordinator of VECAN, explained her organization’s purpose this way. She said energy committees provide local resources so “communities can get information about clean technologies from people in their communities.” VECAN regularly organizes training for members of the energy committee. “We provide a range of resources that can complement local efforts,” she said.

Anyone interested in the work of local energy commissions can sign up for the monthly energy update provided by NVDA. VECAN also provides a calendar listing statewide events related to sustainable energy and climate action.

The idea of ​​creating local energy committees dates back to the oil embargo of the early 1970s, which was imposed by OPEC countries in retaliation for U.S. support for Israel during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. At that time, the Vermont Legislature passed a bill allowing cities to appoint municipal energy coordinators. As climate change became a more serious public issue at the turn of the century, an Upper Valley group called the Sustainable Energy Resources Group joined forces with the Vermont Natural Resources Board to begin encouraging community-based energy work.

“Energy committees help connect the dots,” said Allison Webster. They are available to provide people with information about specific, personal needs, and engage in projects that make a lasting impact at a community level.

In Peacham, one of the latest projects completed by the city’s energy commission is a 150-kilowatt community solar project that broke ground last summer and is located on a 5.5-acre parcel provided by South Peacham resident Frank Miller. Peacham hosted a renewable energy trade show called Solarbration and installed an electric vehicle charging station at the town library.