Energy Advisory Committee

Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 21, 2013 People present:, Dan Jones, Allison Donovan, Becky Wigg, Joey Miller, Barry McPhee, Anne Watson, Dan Costin, Keil Corey, Drew DeVitis, Luke Rafferty Dan Jones called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm Barry discussed the recent regional gathering about the Vermont Home Energy Challenge Consistent reports from energy committees were that pushing a spike of weatherization jobs into existence might not be a realistically possible. There are limits to how fast you can get people on board. Consensus view was that time-bounding the VHEC goals into 2013 seems unpractical Joey said less there have actually been less retrofits between this year and last, but more audits. Efficiency Vermont is offering an extra $500 to get weatherization retrofit work by the end of the year Most communities are lacking the people power to do substantial door-to-door outreach. Montpelier has an advantage in that respect. Discussion about a potential canvassing date in June, possibly the 15th. Dan C said it’s key to hone in one neighborhoods committee members know, and there has to be a specific range of time to get people to commit. Joey suggested that we should emphasize weatherization as a means of cooling Dan C said the material is borrowed from Barry's rap, similar to telethon. Barry reported that he and Ken Jones are continuing to follow up with folks who expressed interest in audits/weatherization work Keil informed the committee about a special that the League of Women Voters is taping for public access TV on June 5th. He thought it’d be a good opportunity to get the message out and get MEAC involved. Kathy Blume and others will be involved. Discussion about the role the committee could play and encouraged Keil to be a part of the taping. Dan J thought the committee could tie weatherization and job opportunities into the New Economy Barry said that he’s been helping work on articles for the Times Argus article and The Bridge. Joey thought we might be able to organize a statewide day of action, sharing capacity Dan C showed the committee small leaflets he made with contractors’ info. Dan J led a discussion about MEAC being a part of the July 3rd parade. Ideas include sandwich boards, signs, banner and getting contractors to be a part of the committee’s slot. Potential for outreach via city listserves, Facebook account, twitter Committee discussed Front Porch Forum and what it would take for the city to get it Barry said his home could be used as a staging area for the parade. Parade committee—Dan, Alison, Drew Barry noted that Ken Jones continues to talk w/ High Meadows Fund Barry discussed the DIY ethic some homeowners have, as they see it more practical to do things themselves; the question is how can the committee and contractors work with these folks? Keil said it may be helpful to reach out to businesses to see if we can get volunteers for our outreach Barry said it’s probably best to take a steady, medium-level approach to VHEC outreach. Alison suggested creating a flyer for students to take home The website was mentioned as a potential resource for outreach Talk about making a quarter sheet on color paper Anne discussed the solar/PV RFI, figuring out the square feet of space available on buildings, vacant parcels of land Allison said she’ll combine documents. Some sites like the stump dump might not be possible because there's no power, she’s been working with Todd & Zach at DPW to figure out appropriate sites Anne expressed concern that the timeline is running short, as tax credit incentives run out by the end of the year. We still have to get it on the city council agenda, and get Bill Fraser on board, send out an RFP, etc Anne said that she could write an article about a project her physics students did measuring BTUs per square foot in their home Allison said she’ll meet with Bill to get the RFI on city council agenda Dan J talked to ORE, and said the committee could make exchanges with volunteer hours Next meeting: Dan J said Jim Stiles talked to Bernie's energy and environment person, will be coming to the committee’s next meeting, but it turns out the person isn’t the energy person, so he’s probably not going to come after all Joey said that the legislature didn’t make any progress in terms of giving support for weatherization because they didn’t hear enough voices on the subject. However, there is a study done about how to get to 90% renewables by 2050 for the state energy portfolio Committee discussed the importance of getting a graphic design person for materials; Anne said she’ll talk to the MHS student she knows Next meeting was set for June 18th at 7:00 pm in Police Community Room Committee approved minutes from the 4/16 meeting VHEC subcommittee said strategy meeting for Wednesday 29th, 8 AM @ VNRC Discussion about other areas for advisory to city council Anee said the Council may be supporting efforts to have a mini-hydroelectric project on the North Branch by the Lane Shops. Anne mentioned the problem of stormwater run-off, CSO problem, potential compliance issues down the road. Discussion about getting the mayor, and city councilors to share their stories if they’ve gotten weatherization work done. Meeting adjourned 8:29 pm.