Here are some of the things the Monkton Energy Committee has been working on.
Please click continue reading or on any of the topics above for information. You can also visit our page on the town web site:
http://monktonvt.com/boards-and-committees/energy-committee/
Thanks!
Wendy Sue Harper and Charlie Huizenga (co-chairs) , Jay Frater (secretary), Pete Dufault, Bill Martin
Energy Fair
The Monkton Energy Committee is sponsoring an Energy Fair scheduled for October 11th from 7PM to 9PM at the firehouse. There will be tables set up with information from energy auditors, alternative energy providers, the PACE program, efficiency organizations and programs available to residents, etc.
Energy Audits
The last time you heard the word audit was likely about finance, but an audit can examine a building’s energy use–like your home or our Town Garage.
You can reduce your home energy costs by having an independent, certified contractor audit your home. They go through your home from top to bottom and give you a report on where to cold air is getting in and how to keep it out. They can help you prioritize energy efficiency improvements; many also install them. Next year you will be able to use the PACE program to pay for home energy improvements.
Part of the Monkton Energy Committee effort to reduce Town energy use and costs includes getting a small grant from Addison County Regional Planning Commission that paid for 3/4’s of an audit for the Town Garage. At $8000 per year, the Town Garage costs the most to heat of all town buildings (not counting the Monkton Central School). The audit took place on July 10th; we eagerly await the report.
PACE:
As you may know, the town of Monkton voted on town meeting day this year to become a PACE district. The PACE program (Property Assessed Clean Energy) creates an affordable way to finance energy efficient home improvements such as insulation upgrades, repairing leaky windows, solar hot water and solar photovoltaic additions with up to a 20 year payback period. With the PACE program the savings gained through the energy efficiency should be greater than the monthly payments for the installation.
MEC has been working with the select board to finalize the program for Monkton and get all of the documentation in place to implement. Look for further information at the Energy Fair and another informational session over the winter.
Solar
MEC has been gathering information about options for a solar array on municipal land for the town or school. We have met with several installers and have looked at some sites in town. We hope to help the School Board and Select Board examine the feasibility of reducing the School’s and Town’s energy use with a renewable solar option.
Wood bank
The Monkton Energy Committee is looking for volunteers to help implement a town ‘wood bank’.
The goal of a wood bank is to supply wood at no cost to anybody in town in need of firewood to heat their homes in the winter. Firewood would be donated and stored at the Monkton town garage for pick up any time. The wood would need to be cut and split and of manageable size so that it can be transported to homes in Monkton. Other towns such as Lincoln and Ripton are underway with a wood bank and have collected wood after storms and periodically cut and spilt wood as a group.
If anyone is interested in helping the energy committee develop the wood bank program, please contact Pete Dufault at dufault4@yahoo.com.
Additional Programs Available to Monkton Homeowners:
NWWVT
NeighborWorks® of Western Vermont is a not for profit, 501 (c) (3) housing organization.
NWWVT provides Vermonters in Addison, Bennington, and Rutland counties with education, counseling and access to affordable loans needed to purchase, improve and help keep their homes.
The Mission of NWWVT is to promote safe and affordable housing, focusing on sustainable home ownership. NWWVT believes in developing the self-reliance of the individual through education, counseling, technical and financial services.
Champlain Valley Weatherization
Based in Hinesburg and supporting Addison County, this Vermont weatherization program offers no-cost energy related services to qualified low-income households. General focus in on air sealing and insulation improvements but can include other improvements based on the home energy audit.
Button Up!
Button Up Vermont is an educational workshop designed to help Vermont homeowners understand the steps they can take to make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable.
Look for a meeting this winter – we will coordinate a free workshop with Button Up! For all town residents.
Efficiency Vermont
Efficiency Vermont provides technical assistance, rebates, and other financial incentives to help Vermont households and businesses reduce their energy costs with energy-efficient equipment, lighting, and approaches to construction and major renovation