Energy
In 2010, the SWCRPC established an Energy Program to promote energy efficiency and conservation, supported by ARRA grants through the U.S. Department of Energy and the Vermont Department of Public Service. Our Energy Program is comprised of a multi-part strategy that seeks to:
- Identify and pursue opportunities for energy efficiency at the municipal and county government level that can be quickly and efficiently implemented;
- Establish regional and municipal policy that will result in long-term and systemic changes in how energy is generated and used throughout southern Windsor County; and,
- Provide extensive educational outreach that will encourage increased energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions through sound land use planning, energy conservation, alternative energies, and energy efficiency upgrades.
The SWCRPC Board of Commissioners created a regional Energy Committee to guide our energy planning program. The Energy Committee serves as an advisory group providing input and policy recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on pertinent energy issues. The Committee will also help to identify and implement energy audits and efficiency upgrades for municipal and county buildings.
Our Energy Program includes the following activities:
Integrated Planning – SWCRPC staff will develop a regional baseline energy study to evaluate municipal energy use, including electricity, heating and vehicle fuel use and costs. Staff will also update our Regional Plan to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled. The SWCRPC will also develop model policy and regulatory language, and provide technical assistance incorporating the model language into town plans and zoning, subdivision and transportation regulations.
Transportation Program Analysis – This activity involves conducting an inventory of traffic signals and a regional park and ride needs assessment. A municipal fuel usage study will be included in the regional baseline energy study.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Public Buildings – The SWCRPC will hire one or more qualified energy auditors to complete 10 to 15 audits of municipal or county buildings (see the nomination letter & form below). The SWCRPC will also help to pay for energy efficiency upgrades, including the purchase of lighting fixtures or bulbs (LED, CFL or T8 fluorescent upgrades), occupancy sensors, programmable thermostats or similar supplies for small upgrades.
Energy Audit Nomination Letter
Public Education and Outreach – The SWCRPC’s outreach efforts will include educational meetings and support for Local Energy Committees, regional workshops for municipal officials and general public, and developing educational materials, including brochures, newsletters and websites.
Traffic Signal Retrofits – The SWCRPC will purchase LED bulbs to retrofit existing municipal traffic signals.