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 Acorn Energy Co-op e-News
Issue No. 16
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Member Owned, Renewable Energy
Products and Services |
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Dear ,
This is the sixteenth edition of the Acorn Energy Co-op's e-Newsletter, published periodically to keep you apprised of happenings in the Co-op and informed of upcoming events. We also encourage you to visit our website frequently at www.acornenergycoop.com to access the wealth of information about energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other money-saving strategies available there.
Please pass this e-Newsletter along to friends, neighbors and family who may not be aware of the Co-op and its activities and plans.
Thank you for your ongoing support, The Acorn Energy Co-op Team |
Vermont Wood Pellet Mill Tour This Saturday, December 11
Also, Biomass Day, January 15 | |  Anyone curious about how the state's local wood pellets are manufactured can meet us at the VWP mill in North Clarendon on Saturday, December 11, at 9:30 a.m. for a tour of the plant by owner and former forester Chris Brooks. While there, you can ask for a free sample bag to try VWP pellets which are produced from locally harvested softwood -- the majority of which is logged and hauled within 30 miles of the mill to keep dollars local and reduce carbon footprint as much as possible. If you contact us in advance and arrange prepayment, you can purchase a larger quantity to take home at the great price of $229/ton (for members $224/ton) this Saturday (and any future Saturday as well).
If you miss Saturday's tour, you'll have another chance to visit the mill on Biomass Day, Saturday, January 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet local vendors and organizations who will be there all day discussing a full spectrum of biomass options--including stoves, furnaces, biochar, as well as standards, and incentives (see directions in the events listings below). |
| Acorn Energy Co-op Free Monthly Educational Programs Continue - December 8 and January 19 | | |
 Wednesday, December 8 - Weatherizing Your Home - From Top to Bottom: Focus on Attics to Tackle Moisture and Efficiency
The December program will focus on how to weatherize your attic to reduce draft from the rest of your house, save fuel, and restore and maintain the health and safety of residential living spaces. The program will be presented by Fred Lugano, a local weatherization expert and author. Contractors and homeowners are encouraged to bring their unresolved questions and seek his advice on the problem areas in their homes.
Wednesday, January 19 - Financing Renewable Energy
The January program will inform you on the latest status of federal, state and local 2011 incentives for Vermonters, and the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE). PACE allows municipalities to offer loans to property owners to invest in energy efficiency and small-scale renewable energy projects using financing that is repaid through assessments on individual property tax bills.
The programs will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ilsley Library Community Room, 75 Main Street (rear entrance) in Middlebury.
The Addison County Regional Planning Commission and the Addison County Green Fund are Sponsors of the Co-op's Energy Educational Program Series. Additional Series, Program, and Contributing sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Elizabeth Golden-Pidgeon, Acorn Energy Co-op Educational Program Manager (elizabethgolden@shoreham.net) for more information. |
| Do you have marketing skills? | |
Do you have strong marketing and publicity skills? Would you like to join the board and share those skills with us to help spread the word about the many benefits of co-op membership? While we feel that we have done a reasonably good job of outreach, there are still a lot of area residents who have only the vaguest idea about who we are and what we do. Many still don't even know that we exist. We'd like to do better. We need someone who is enthusiastic about our mission and who has some time and energy to help shift Vermont from its near total reliance on fossil fuels to a wide array of local renewable energy solutions. It's important work, and we don't have a moment to lose. If you are interested in joining our team (or know of someone you feel might be interested) please contact us at info@acornenergycoop.com. |
| Progress is being made on VSJF Contract for Bulk Pellet Delivery and Storage | | |
 Last month we announced our contract award from the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund to identify methods and hardware to deliver, store, and handle wood pellets in bulk from Vermont Wood Pellet's mill to residential boilers and stoves.
Several members, eager to move away from using 40-lb bags, have volunteered their homes as demonstration sites. The Co-op has completed research on the many bags, bins, augers, tubs, etc. available commercially, and we have come up with some home-made designs of our own.
In the spring we and the four other SJF contractors will exchange information on which designs have worked best. One important goal is to keep costs at a reasonable level so many members will want to install storage devices in their homes and move up to bulk delivery.
We will install the first devices in early December and monitor how efficiently the delivery process goes for our delivery partner, Bourdeau-Bushey. Vermont Wood Pellet Co. will measure fines at each step in the process. Our contract runs through the winter, and we will keep you updated on our progress. |
| Special Offer to Members on Solar PV Systems | |  For a limited time, the co-op will give our members $600 off solar equipment provided by groSolar in addition to the $250 rebate off installation that groSolar will give to anyone that makes a purchase decision by January 31, 2011.
Vermont-based groSolar is North America's premier distributor, installer and integrator of solar energy solutions for residential and commercial installations. Founded in 1998, groSolar is the largest 100 percent U.S.-owned distributor in the solar industry, and is the fourth-largest installation company in North America. It specializes in PV electric grid-tied systems. groSolar has donated equipment over the years to a variety of non-profit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity. For more on the company, visit www.groSolar.com. |
| Co-op Welcomes New Solar Affiliate and Partner | | The Co-op welcomes a new solar affiliate, Eastern Solar Technologies, as well as a new solar partner Independent Power. Members may select from a growing range of excellent solar equipment and installation service discount options from our affiliates and partners. See the partners page at our site (www.acornenergycoop.com/partners) for more details on the distinctions between our affiliates and partners and their offers, or contact us (info@acornenergycoop.com) for any help you may need with regard to this or making a selection.
 Eastern Solar Technologies: Established in 1979 as one of the oldest solar companies, EST installs only solar hot water systems with headquarters in Cambridge, VT. EST chooses systems with proven reliability such as the German-based Schuco system. It only uses licensed plumbers with hundreds of installations under their belts. They will give co-op members 30 percent off Schuco solar hot water systems plus $400 off installation. For more on the company, visit www.easternsolartechnologies.com.
 Independent Power: IP celebrates 22 years in solar power with offices in Hyde Park and Hinesburg. The company offers its customers solar hot water as well as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. In addition, IP offers guidance and sells equipment to do-it-yourselfers. Co-op members receive 5 percent off solar modules and inverters. For more on the company, visit www.independentpowerllc.com. |
| Upcoming Events | | |
COMMUNITY ENERGY & CLIMATE ACTION Conference in Fairlee.
Saturday, December 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lake Morey Resort.
Targeted help for town energy and climate action coordinators, committees, and organizations who are planning and implementing efficiency and renewable energy projects. Hosted by VECAN partner organizations, UVM Extension, VPIRG and Peak Oil Awareness. Visit Acorn Energy Co-op booth. For more info, go to www.vecan.net.
GREENER MOUNTAINS: Discover How "Green" Can Improve Your Home & Business in Rutland.
Saturday, December 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Holiday Inn (Rt 7).
Visit Acorn Energy Co-op and other vendors relating to home improvement, energy efficiency, new technologies, and local food. Attend workshops presented by the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. Children's Zone. Event is free. Hosted by Rutland Economic Development Corp with others as part of Rutland County Energy Challenge. For more info, call 773-9147 or visit www.rutlandcountyenergychallenge.com.
ATTICS: Tackling Moisture & Efficiency Workshop in Middlebury.
Wednesday December 8, 7 to 9 p.m. in Ilsley Library Community Conference Room (around back).
When it comes to building efficiency, it's best to start in spaces above your head. Join Fred Lugano, a former CVOEO weatherization trainer, for a concentrated look at how to handle attics correctly. Notice how this will reduce draft from the rest of your house and help you save fuel most effectively. Contractors and homeowners are encouraged to bring their unresolved questions to this free program hosted by Acorn Energy Co-op and sponsored by The Addison County Regional Planning Commission and the Addison County Green Fund. For info, call 385-1911.
VERMONT WOOD PELLET MILL Tour in North Clarendon.
Saturday, December 11, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., VWP Mill.
Open to any co-op members and pellet customers. Meet us there. Ridesharing encouraged. Free sample bag upon request to try the product which is produced from locally harvest softwood -- the majority of which is within 30 miles of the mill. From Middlebury and Rutland, take Route 7 south to Route 103 south and then immediately right on Route 7B. Mill is on right at 1105 Route 7B. For info, call the mill at 747-1093.
BIOMASS DAY at Vermont Wood Pellet Mill in North Clarenden.
Saturday, January 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., VWP Mill.
Meet local vendors and organizations dealing with a full spectrum of biomass options, including stoves, furnaces, bulk storage, biochar, as well as standards, and incentives. Free. Hosted by VWP with support from Acorn Energy Co-op and others. From Middlebury and Rutland, take Route 7 south to Route 103 south and then immediately right on Route 7B. Mill is on right at 1105 Route 7B. For info, call 747-1093 or 385-1911.
FINANCING RENEWABLE ENERGY in Middlebury.
Wednesday, January 19, 7 to 9 p.m., Ilsley Library Community Room.
Learn the latest status of federal, state and local 2011 incentives for Vermonters. Also hear about Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing option. This is a relatively new mechanism that allows municipalities to assist property owners to invest in energy efficiency and small-scale renewable energy projects using financing that is repaid through assessments on individual property tax bills. Hosted by Acorn Energy Co-op and sponsored by The Addison County Regional Planning Commission and the Addison County Green Fund. For info, call 385-1911. |
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| Some Helpful Links to More Renewable Energy Information |
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Visit Renewable Energy Vermont's website for summaries on statewide renewable energy initiatives and incentives and professional training opportunities. REV is comprised of renewable energy companies, institutional and academic partners and concerned citizens of Vermont working to ensure the expansion of renewable energy statewide. Contact REV to locate your local renewable energy professional. REV members are available to speak to schools and civic groups on the many benefits of renewable energy.
EFFICIENCY VERMONT
 Efficiency Vermont provides technical assistance and financial incentives to Vermont households and businesses, to help them reduce their energy costs with energy-efficient equipment and lighting and with energy-efficient approaches to construction and renovation.
For years it focused on improving electrical costs. Last year it expanded and helped Vermont launch Button Up! Vermont to help homeowners improve the thermal envelope of their buildings for improved heating and cooling. You can go to its website and click on "Ask the Home Team" for common sense answers to your building efficiency questions.
In addition, don't miss the current Efficiency Vermont supported deals in your local hardware store on all types of efficient CFL and LED lighting. |
Thank you again for your continued support and enthusiasm. Our member-owned co-op continues to grow thanks to people like you. If you have specific questions about the Co-op, please e-mail us at info@acornenergycoop.com or call us at 802-385-1911.
Sincerely,
Greg Pahl, President
Acorn Energy Co-op | |
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