Success Story: Brownington uses MERP Implementation Grant to Complete Major Town Upgrades
Between 2024 and 2026, Brownington, Vermont successfully completed a comprehensive series of energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements through Vermont’s Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) Implementation Grant. Using these funds, the project focused on reducing energy consumption, lowering operating costs, improving indoor air quality, and increasing the long-term resilience of both the Town Clerk’s Office and Town Garage.
The upgrades include installation of a 33.4 kW solar array at the Town Garage, new cold-climate heat pump systems, a high-efficiency propane boiler, heat pump water heater, an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system, upgraded LED lighting, improved building insulation, enhanced ventilation equipment, and garage door weatherization improvements. Together, these upgrades modernized municipal facilities while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving occupant comfort.
How it Worked
Following receipt of a MERP Implementation Grant award in late 2024, Brownington organized a project team consisting of members of the Planning Commission, municipal staff, contractors, and technical advisors from the Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA) and Vermont Buildings and General Services (BGS).
Building energy assessments completed through MERP provided the foundation for the project scope. Over the following eighteen months, project coordinators organized site visits, secured competitive bids, pursued grant amendments where additional energy-saving opportunities were identified, and worked closely with state officials to obtain hardship funding that allowed projects to move forward without placing a burden on local taxpayers.
Key contractors included Nadeau's Plumbing & Heating, Green Mountain Solar, Gene's Electric, Northern Precision Foam, Troy Overhead Door, and other local partners. The largest single project was the installation of the Town Garage solar array, one of the largest municipal solar projects completed through the MERP program. The solar system began generating power in early 2026 and now provides clean electricity while helping offset municipal energy costs.
The project also included significant fuel-switching measures. Heat pumps were installed in both municipal buildings, a new propane boiler replaced aging equipment at the Town Clerk’s Office, and advanced ventilation systems improved indoor air quality. Additional upgrades to lighting, insulation, and building controls further increased efficiency and reduced operating expenses.
By spring 2026, nearly all projects identified in the MERP scope of work had been completed and were fully operational. During a celebratory walkthrough hosted by BGS and NVDA, project representatives confirmed that Brownington had successfully implemented the recommended energy improvements and created a model for other rural Vermont communities.
Keys to Success
• Strong local leadership and project management from Brownington volunteers, staff, and elected officials.
• Close collaboration with NVDA, BGS, and MERP coordinators who provided technical assistance, funding guidance, and grant administration support.
• Willingness to pursue grant amendments and hardship funding opportunities that allowed the town to maximize energy savings.
• Strong partnerships with local contractors who delivered high-quality workmanship and coordinated multiple projects across two municipal facilities.
• A long-term commitment to reducing energy costs, improving building performance, and investing in municipal resilience.
Results
The Brownington MERP project transformed the Town Clerk’s Office and Town Garage into more efficient, comfortable, and resilient facilities. The town now benefits from renewable energy generation, reduced fossil fuel consumption, improved air quality, upgraded heating systems, and modernized infrastructure that will provide operational and financial benefits for years to come.
Through careful planning, strong partnerships, and effective use of MERP funding, Brownington demonstrated how small municipalities in rural Vermont can successfully implement large-scale energy improvements while preparing for a more sustainable future in a changing climate.
Resources
For a day-to-day overview of this project as it happened, William Davis and the town of Brownington were generous enough to provide this tracking document: MERP Project Timesheet.
Contact
William Davis
