Energy Advisory Committee

Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee June 18 th, 2013 Minutes Those Present: Dan Jones, Dan Costin, Alison Donovan, Barry McPhee, Drew DeVitis, Harper Gay, Gwen Hallsmith, Michael Taub, Fatima Harper Gay from Senator Bernie Sanders office came to the meeting and discussed things Sen. Sanders is doing on the national level. With Barbara Boxer, Bernie is introducing a Climate Protection Act. The impact fee will start at $20 a ton and go up from there. There have been 2800 polluters identified country-wide. Fees will come on coal, oil, and natural gas. Sen. Boxer will be holding hearings in mid-July. Harper talked about the recent Clean Energy Finance Summit that took place at UVM co-sponsored by Sen Sanders, which brought together scientists, bankers, economists, utility executives and senior government officials to examine new ways for Vermont to lead the way toward clean energy by helping fund energy efficiency and sustainable energy projects. Summit touched based on energy efficiency finance, public sector energy, public/private financing options, appropriations for businesses, Burlington Electric Department initiatives, and PACE> Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has given bipartisan support to a goal to weatherize a million homes in the United States, with a specific focus on low and middle income financing. Alison talked about issues she’s come across—HUD has been working with ESCOs, but for Section 8 vouchers/voucher-based public housing there’s no mechanisms or provisions for energy improvements. Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF) is working actively with HUD on a pilot project. Alison would like to see more on- bill financing efforts. Committee talked about financing for vermiculite removal. EPA has adopted a let lie undisturbed rule for vermiculite, so weatherization contractors won’t touch it unless it’s removed. Can be a big, expensive impediment to weatherization work. More funding is needed for homeowners. Committee discussed working the importance of weatherization into the work of realtors. Alison suggested that realtors could be more familiarized with ResNet—HERS rating system. ResNet—HERS rating. Barry thought that Efficiency Vermont could play a role. Barry and Dan C. gave an update on the challenge. Five committee members canvassed Montpelier on Saturday, June 15th, and were able to engage a number of residents. Story continues to be that folks are either early adopters or don’t have the money right now to afford energy audits/weatherization work. Committee will reach out to CAN and choose canvassing locations through neighborhood maps. Committee discussed the RFI. Alison said that there were some small revisions. She discussed with Asst. City Manager Jessie Baker, and feels like it’s coming together. A couple of the questions were restructured to make sure we’re getting real information, and make sure the process is competitive Committee talked about inventorying the town to understand potential locations for a solar installation. Alison said that many sites were in the RFI, including school roofs and stump-dump Dan Jones talked about Walk Bike Promotion—state employees will be encouraged to take alternative transportation to work, and can redeem discounts from downtown businesses. Committee discussed participation in July 3rd parade. Alison said Energy Smart is on board with weatherization truck, and will have beach balls. Committee discussed signs that are to be printed and the message the committee wants to send out. Committee discussed summer schedule. Canvassing will take place on the night of June 27th, beginning at 5:00 in VNRC offices On July 15th, there will be a joint CAN/MEAC meeting to celebrate the VISTAs departure. Dan C. reminded committee members about the Village Building Convergence taking place over the weekend. Gwen gave a quick update on the state of energy financing in Vermont, through the Clean Energy Finance Summit. The National Bank of Middlebury will be contributing funds for setting up PACE. $10 million is coming from VEDA, and $6.5 from VHFA for energy/weatherization financing.