January 2010:

While world leaders met this past December at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, the  Huntington Energy Committee mulled over the efforts here at the local level in regard to energy efficiency and conservation.  The following are the major efforts from 2009:

The HEC and Conservation Commission co-sponsored three forums at the Union
Meeting House  on current energy related issues.  The first forum was in May and titled “The Challenge of Vermont Yankee”.  We invited a panel of four experts from different backgrounds to discuss and answer questions on this very important topic.  In  June the second forum “Renewable Alternative Energy Options for Homeowners”  brought experts to Huntington to discuss the basics of solar hot water, solar electric, and wind energy systems.  Additional, we provided information on financial resources available to homeowners for renewable energy projects.  The third and final forum in July was a tour of homes with installed alternative energy projects up and running.  Thanks to all who made these events possible.

In November the HEC  sponsored a  Button up Workshop at the Union Meeting
House.  Button up Vermont sent a highly experienced consultant and Home Performance with Energy Star contractor, Allan Bullis, to present information on the best practices for making homes more energy efficient.  

The HEC provided expert technical advice to the town on the new Town Garage
 roof and insulation project as well as the new insulation for the Fire House roof.  Both projects were funded in part by the infrastructure upgrade bond passed in November of 2008.  Jim, did you find out from Ed if part of this project was also funding by a grant from the ANR Climate Change program?

The HEC has assisted the town in applying for an additional $50,000 in energy grants to upgrade the wall insulation and lighting in our town buildings.  The town was notified in early January that our application has made it through the first phase of the competitive grant process.  Final notification of award will be made March 2010.

Thanks to Mary Jane Poynter for completing an energy audit on the Union Meeting House for the Library Trustees.  This information will permit planning for future energy efficiency improvements to the building.

Thanks to Megs Keir for her contributions to the HEC over the past two years.  Megs resigned from the committee in October in order to redirect her work for Huntington in new directions.  The HEC is fortunate to have two new members,  Ross Ogilvie  and  Casie Enman.   We are currently at  8 members and authorized to have  9 members.  If anyone is interested in joining the HEC please speak with a member of the committee.  To apply for appointment write or email the Huntington Town Administrator, Ed Wildman,  with your reasons for wishing to serve.

Current members of the Huntington Energy Committee:
Bret Hamilton, Town Energy Coordinator  434-6318
Knox Cumin   802 735-7831
Jim Hildebran  434-2821
Dean Menke  434-3422
Mary Jane Poynter  434-6356
Erik Ruggles  656-8294
Ross Ogilvie  434-2507
Casie Enman   434-3784