VECAN Welcomes You!

Vermont’s network of town energy committees continues to grow, reflecting a powerful grassroots response to the pressing need to cut energy costs, foster renewable energy generation and lessen the state’s contribution to global warming.

Here, you can access a diversity of energy related resources, learn more about the variety of important projects energy committees across the state are undertaking—and be inspired by their bold action.

News

Clean Energy Development Fund Project Reports

Since 2005 the CEDF has been granting and loaning funds for renewable energy projects (for both studies and installs). Each funding recipient has been required to write a final report. At long last all 100+ reports have been compiled and are now available to the public.

The reports cover the full spectrum of energy production systems. The projects and accompanying reports serve as valuable models and can provide useful context, information, and lessons learned for Vermonters who may be interested in similar projects. View the projects and learn how you can request a copy of any report.

NEGEF Seed Grants Available

The New England Grassroots Environment Fund dedicates their grants to grassroots community groups working on local energy and environmental projects.  NEGEF offers their SEED grants, ranging from $250-$1000, on a rolling basis, so its never too late to apply and get some assistance.

SEED grants are typically awarded to groups that are either working on a new or evolving community based project, need to cover expenses for materials and outreach, a project that costs generally less than $10,000, or needs a quick decision in order to get off the ground.

Head over to the NEGEF website to learn more about their grants, and the groups and projects they have and will continue to support. Also, view the financing and funding page for more ideas about how to get your project of the ground.

Joint Legislative Hearing Opens Up New Dialogue

Nearly 30 energy committees testified in front of the House and Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committees.

Watch and read what energy committee leaders had to say about their projects and the steps the state needs to take to support them at the first ever special joint legislative hearing for Vermont energy committees.

Fourth Annual Conference A Success!

On December 3, 2011 nearly 250 Vermonters gathered at the 4th annual “Vermont Community Energy and Climate Action Conference”. The pulse of the day was pure energy. DPS Commissioner Elizabeth Miller and ANR Secretary Deb Markowitz launched the day with critical context on Vermont’s energy realities.

A stellar keynote from Kathryn Blume, delivered with heart, earnestness, and the perfect dose of levity, added a powerful urgency to the conference, and set the stage for the important work ahead that faces Vermont’s communities and energy committees.  Check out workshop presentations, videos, and Liz Miller’s and Deb Markowitz’s answers to your questions from this year’s conference.

Efficiency Vermont Offers Streetlighting Support

Efficiency Vermont has a program to help municipalities improve efficiency in street and public space lighting by re-evaluating their present use of older, less efficient lighting technologies for street and public spaces, eliminate unnecessary lighting, and replace remaining lighting with LED lighting systems. Find out how your community can get technical support from EVT.