|
 Acorn Energy Co-op e-News
Issue No. 17
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Member Owned, Renewable Energy
Products and Services |
|
| Join our list |  |
|
|
|
Dear ,
This is the seventeenth 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 |
|
Biomass Day at Vermont Wood Pellet Mill
This Saturday, January 15th | | |
 Vermont Wood Pellet (VWP) will host a Biomass Day at their mill in North Clarendon, VT on Saturday, January 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with support from Acorn Energy Co-op and others. As temperatures drop and oil prices rise, more people are looking at heating with biomass. This day addresses the advantages of heating with the state's only local wood pellets and more.
This free event will showcase a full spectrum of biomass heating and storage options available through local businesses on hand at the mill for the day. Biomass Day is an opportunity to speak directly with local biomass equipment installers, including Biomass Commodities, E.C Crosby's, Pellergy, SunWood Biomass Systems, Vermont Renewable Fuels, and Woodpecker Pellet Furnace.
Empty plastic wood pellet bags can be dropped off for recycling. Advice on bulk storage options to eliminate bags will be provided. This event will also address current reports on biomass standards and incentives and feature a demonstration on how to make biochar from wood scraps. (see directions in the events listings below). |
Energy Education Program: Financing Renewables
Wednesday, January 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. - Ilsley Library Community Room | | |
 Learn the latest status of federal, state and local 2011 incentives for Vermonters to adopt renewable energy technology to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We will have four presenters:
- Peter Adamczyk, Energy Finance and Development Manager, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) - Peter will explain the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing option 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.
- Ludy Biddle, Director, NeighborWorks of Western Vermont - Ludy will talk about local energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that will reduce energy use by homes, vehicles and businesses, funded by a $4.5 million DOE grant.
- Duane Peterson, Co-Director of Vermont Public Interest Group (VPIRG) Energy - Duane will present a short video on VPIRG's Energy Program and lead a discussion on the program.
- Laura Asermily, Acorn Energy Co-op Interim Coordinator - Laura will report on the full range of discounts on renewable energy products and installations available to Co-op Members.
The Acorn Education Series is sponsored by The Addison County Regional Planning Commission and the Addison County Green Fund. Additional sponsorships are available by calling 802-385-1911.
|
| Membership Recruiting Contest! | |
We want more members! And we'd love to have your help! If you've been wondering how you can help your Energy Co-op, this is one of the best ways: encourage your friends and neighbors to join. And to make it more fun, we're announcing a membership recruitment contest. The rules are simple. You must already be a member. The member who brings in the largest number of new members wins! We will announce the winner (and the mystery prize) at our annual meeting, to be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at Two Brothers Tavern in Middlebury. This will be an ongoing event, so if you get off to a slow start this year, you still have a chance to win next year. The many benefits of membership are growing all the time, so talk up the co-op-and have some fun! |
| New Coordinator selected! | |  We are very pleased to announce that after a lengthy search process we have selected Rhonda Williams of Vergennes to be our new coordinator. Rhonda has a Masters of Environmental Studies Degree from Yale University. She was also a development officer for the Northern Plains Resources Council.
Rhonda was the committee coordinator for Chicago City Council's Committee on Energy, Environmental Protection and Public Utilities and was also a senior project administrator for the Chicago Housing Authority. Rhonda was also involved in a wide range of programs related to pediatric asthma and lung health initiatives in Chicago. She was also the director of the Farm to School Initiative for the Illinois Healthy Schools Campaign, and is the current President of the Vergennes Farmers Market.
Rhonda will begin her position on an interim basis on February 1. We are very excited to have such a talented person join the Acorn Energy Co-op team. Please help us in extending a warm welcome to Rhonda! |
Partner of the Month
Taylor Rental Center Helps Do It Yourselfers Insulate | | |
 Looking for a winter home improvement project? Add insulation to your attic or walls with the help of Co-op partner Taylor Rental which offers Co-op members 10% off its cellulose insulation blowers.
Blowers are rented for $52.50 per day. Taylor Rental can help explain the benefits of cellulose and calculate the amount you will need for your project. Cellulose, made from treated, recycled newspaper, is available for purchase through Taylor Rental at $9.99 per bag. Many prefer cellulose over fiberglass for its superior insulating value and fire and rodent retarding nature.
Taylor Rental is located on Route 7 South in Middlebury and can be reached by contacting owner Chris Bagley at 388-4281 or taylor.rental@myfairpoint.com. |
| VSJF Announces $100,000 RFP for Grass Energy Pelletization and Market Development | |  The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund is seeking proposals that will lead to the design, fabrication, demonstration and use of a mobile or stationary pelletizing system capable of converting at least 1 ton of grass biomass per hour into densified fuel. Projects must be able to identify at least one in-state source of grass biomass that will be pelletized and at least one in-state end-user of the pelletized fuel. Any organization, farm, individual or business that maintains an active and physical presence within Vermont is eligible to apply for these funds. The deadline for proposal submissions is February 28, 2011. For more information, contact vtbiofuels@vsjf.org. |
| Upcoming Events | | |
BIOMASS DAY at Vermont Wood Pellet Mill in North Clarendon.
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, 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 the mill at 747-1093 or 385-1911.
GEOTHERMAL DAY at Vermont Technical College in Randolph.
Saturday, January 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meet Local vendors and organizations dealing with a full spectrum of geothermal options. Hosted by Vermont Energy And Climate Action Network and others.
GROWING THE GLOBAL HEART: Race, Power, and Building a Youth-Driven Climate Justice Movement in Middlebury.
Wednesday, January 19, 4:30 p.m., McCullough Social Space
Join Antwi Akom, a leading expert on the green economy, climate change, and educational equity, as he presents his research on the links between race, environmental health, and educational equity in cities and schools; the role of the green economy in facilitating pathways out of poverty for vulnerable populations; and the role of local knowledge in the production of environmental health and educational equity. Hosted by Middlebury College in honor of Martin Luther King Day.
FINANCING RENEWABLE ENERGY in Middlebury.
Wed, January 19, 7 - 9 p.m., Ilsley Library Community Room.
Learn latest status of federal, state and local 2011 incentives for Vermonters. 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 (ACRPC) and the Addison County Green Fund. For info, call 385-1911.
ENERGY SOLUTIONS Co-op Coffee Hour in Middlebury.
Friday, January 28, 9 to 10 a.m., Carol's Hungry Mind Cafe.
Get answers to your energy questions. Share ideas for expanding efficiency and renewables. Learn latest incentives, offers. Hosted by Acorn Energy Co-op. Info: 385-1911.
BETTER BUILDINGS BY DESIGN Conference in Burlington.
Wed February 9 & Thursday February 10, Sheraton Conference Center.
Learn from leaders in the design and construction fields about the latest techniques and technologies for superior building efficiency, performance, and value. Find out what works and what doesn't, and what you can put into practice immediately. Features over 30 presentations and over 50 exhibits attended by area architects, builders, contractors, designers, developers, electricians, engineers, and others. Costs $300 for both days or $200 for one day. Hosted by Efficiency Vermont. For more, visit www.efficiencyvermont.com/conference or call 877-248-9900.
TRANSPORTATION and COMMUNITY CHARACTER in Middlebury.
Thurs, Feb 10, 7-9p, Dana Auditorium, Middlebury College.
Join Walter Kulash, a specialist in the rapidly emerging field of livable traffic design, who will present recent projects that incorporate the principles of livable traffic. Kulash is in the forefront of the field of traffic calming: changing motorist behavior through street redesign. He addresses problems common in many Vermont towns, including: avoiding sprawl, dealing with the effects of disconnected street networks, and creating the transportation systems necessary to support walkable neighborhoods and shopping districts. Hosted by Town of Middlebury and Middlebury College. For more, call Chris Robbins, Middlebury Planning Commission, 388-1952.
SOLAR HOT WATER Program In Middlebury.
Wednesday, February 16, 7 - 9 p.m., Ilsley Library Conference Room.
Learn how to navigate the maze of solar options, incentives, and installers for heating water. Hosted by Acorn Energy Co-op with support from Addison County Regional Planning Commission. For info, call 385-1911.
ACORN ENERGY CO-OP ANNUAL MEETING in Middlebury.
Wednesday, March 30, 5 - 7 p.m., Two Brothers Tavern Lounge (downstairs)
Learn about local energy accomplishments of the co-op and others. Enjoy refreshments while sharing ideas for future projects and exchanging experiences on current ones. For info, call 385-1911. |
|
|
| Some Helpful Links to More Renewable Energy Information |
|
|
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 | |
|
|
|
|
