Energy Advisory Committee

Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 15, 2013 Those Present: Dan Jones, Justin McCabe, Barry McPhee, Alison Donovan, Jim Stiles, Becky Wigg, Anne Watson, Harold Garabedian, , Ken Jones, Luke Rafferty, Drew DeVitis, Cara Robechek (CCV), Jackie Cassino (CVRPC), Malcolm Graham (Montpelier Construction) Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM. Dan Jones announced a new recruit to the committee, Tim Shea, who can serve as business manager/representative. Meeting minutes were approved unanimously. Harold updated the committee on District Heat. The contract for constructing pipes has been awarded to Kingsbury. Construction should begin in April, depending on the spring thaw, and when asphalt planning are running. The state will be moving forward and mobilizing construction in February. It presents a challenge as they need to build the new building around the existing one to provide heat through April. A mile’s worth of pipe will be in the ground by the end of the summer. Customer recruitment is basically done, as February 8th is the last day to order the pipe. Details on the thermal metering system, billing, and business operations are being worked out and generally on schedule. Extra customers at this point would incrue a significant cost. Harold said MEAC has the ability to make budget recommendations and suggested that the city could fund an energy investment item every year. The $28,000 netted from the solar station and the water treatment plant could create a revolving fund potentially. Discussion about the possibility of PV panels on city buildings. A proposal put forth before city council would have to be approved by Bill Fraser, along with a RFP from the committee. Dan mentioned the idea of training city workers on green driving. Malcolm Graham from Montpelier Construction introduced himself to the committee. Jackie Cassino from the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission talked about the Vermont Home Energy Challenge (VHEC) and her role as coordinator from the Central Vermont area. She will be helping organizing trainings and workshops, encouraging committees, and providing updates. There are a lot different turnkey programs available throughout the next few months. There is a webinar on January 29th with an overview of the turkey program and how to develop an action plan. On a weeknight in February there will be a 3-4 hour training program. Potentially, the CVCAC home energy savings trailer will be coming to Montpelier on Saturday, February 9th for a 5 hour training, free to participants. Will focus on training folks to walk through homes for a pre-audit. Discussion about value of having the CVRPC at the Energy Fair and strategizing for rolling out the VHEC. Jackie volunteered to come to the Energy Fair. Cara Robechek, an environmental science/issues professor, said that her class might be able to help with the VHEC in small chunks. Students might be coming 45 minutes or more away for classes. Possibility to work during class time, but changing the syllabus now to incorporate volunteer work would be hard to do. Committee was reminded of the transportation event at National Life on January 31st. Harold suggested that funding for the circulator needs to be brought to the community’s attention and more integrated into the community. There could be greater community involvement in design and operation of the route. Dan Jones reminded the committee that 52% of carbon emissions come from transportation. How is it possible to get off of automobiles? Jim said that he’s talking to contractors and getting references, putting together a comprehensive spreadsheet. Dan suggested that there could be a raffle for a free energy audit. Becky updated the committee and said nine organizations have confirmed that they’d like to participate: VSECU, Sun Common Energy Smart, Weatherization & Renovation of Montpelier, Montpelier Construction, the Building Performance Association of Vermont, Efficiency VT, Real Goods Solar Potential to invite care dealers selling electric vehicles. Alison said that she can contact someone from ANR. She volunteered to help with finance and contact Chimney Sweep. Ken said that he will talk to VT Flag and Stove. Other organizations to contact include VPIRG, Institute for Sustainable Communities, and Barre/Montpelier Ford. Anne, Alison and Becky are meeting with Chris at National Life. Work will be done to contact local event calendars; Ken and Dan met with Steve Pappars from the Times Argus who is interested in doing a story. Anne talked about the need for a giant visual that could be used to chart the city’s progress on VHEC. Anne and the VISTAs will help coordinate a website. Anne said that Marko the Magician has confirmed and will be sending an invoice. Discussion about the best time for Marko to perform; post dinner hour, 6:30-7:30 or sometime around then might be best. Becky said there might be an opportunity for Energy Smart to do a training/demonstration and will look into the possibility of having small breakout rooms. Anne is working on a flyer for the Energy Fair. Committee had a conversation about lawn signs and the need to have examples at the fair. All the people who have done weatherization work are eligible for getting a lawn sign. It must be visible and show people the savings realized from doing the work. There could be a blank spot for monetary savings and stickers for weatherization/solarization/pelletization work. Barry talked about his experience at the VHEC workshop. He outlined the strategy workshop that he went to, and the basic goals of the Challenge. Outreach must be comprised of various strategies, utilizing turnkey programs, door-to-door outreach, parties, weatherization kits, etc. Barry will create an action plan for implementing VHEC. VISTAs will set up a Facebook Page for the Energy Committee Meetings were set for February 5th and February 19th. Adjourned at 9:12 pm.