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. Last year there were 50 of these primarily volunteer groups across the state. Now there are over 90. 

Read more about the important projects these groups are undertaking - and the bold action they are helping to inspire - here.

Join Us at VECAN's 3rd Annual Community Energy & Climate Action Conference on December 4th in Fairlee!

VECAN and UVM's Extension Service invite you to attend the Third Annual Vermont “Community Energy and Climate Action Conference” on Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont.  Conference registration, refreshments, and exhibitors begin at 8:00 a.m. The conference starts at 9:00 a.m. 

This full-day conference is for individuals interested in how Vermont communities can take action to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use for municipal governments, businesses, and residents. Beyond unparalled networking opportunities, this conference offers participants great information and inspiration about innovative strategies to reduce energy costs, transtion to renewables and ways to cut our contribution to climate change.

Workshop topics will cover topics like: Community Renewables, Biomass Energy, Local Energy Projects in Vermont, Finding the Funds, Building Resilient Energy Committees, Transportation and Energy, State, National and International Efforts to Address Climate Change and much more. 

Stay tuned for info on this year's keynote speaker as well as whether Vermont's new governor will be joining us to lay out his 'energy and climate action agenda.'

Full conference registration fee is $25/person and includes entry to all workshops and general sessions, exhibit hall, and a fantastic lunch. Registration will open in October. Scholarships are available for those in need. For more information, call Jessie Schmidt, UVM Extension Service at 802-223-2389 or email at jessica.a.schmidt@uvm.edu.

You can also find the conference materials and presentations from 2009 posted online here and find presentations by workshop leaders from 2008, the keynote speaker and other useful information from 2008 here.

New 'Atlas' Maps Vermont's Renewable Energy Opportunities 

On Earth Day 2010, the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund released its eagerly anticipated renewable energy mapping tool - the Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont. This GIS-based web application uses state-of-the-art technology to identify, analyze and visualize existing and promising locations for renewable energy. The Atlas is an accessible tool for any interested Vermonter seeking more information about potential resources out their back door. The VSJF specifically also targeted the tool to serve as a resource for Vermont's growing network of community energy committees.