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 Acorn Energy Co-op e-News
Issue No. 18a
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Member Owned, Renewable Energy
Products and Services |
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Dear ,
This is an addendum to the e-Newsletter we sent to you last Wednesday. We inadvertently left out an important article about the PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) legislation currently being discussed at the State house. We felt that it was sufficiently important to bring before you prior to next week's town meetings that we're offering this special addendum issue. As usual, 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 |
| Is Vermont Keeping PACE? | | |
 The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program would help Vermonters invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for their homes and businesses. PACE would allow individuals and businesses to obtain long term financing and have the payments incorporated into their property tax bills. Legislation adopted in 2009 was intended to clear the way for PACE programs throughout VT, but several stumbling blocks have slowed its adoption. House bill H.155 addresses those issues. Read the bill as introduced here.
A PACE program adopted in any VT town can greatly increase the number of projects undertaken and will offer many benefits. These include: increased employment in "Green Jobs", lower heating bills, biomass replacing fossil fuels, decreased carbon emissions, and a more decentralized distribution of electricity. The Energy Co-op supports H.155 and looks forward to using PACE as a powerful tool that can help us achieve a cleaner, more sustainable future. To move PACE forward it is essential that H.155 be passed; we urge you to let your legislators know where you stand.
For more information about how PACE is being adopted nationwide, go here. |
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| Upcoming Events | | |
SOLAR PV & GROUP NET METERING Program in Middlebury. Wed, Mar 16, 7 - 9 pm, Ilsley Library Community Room
Learn about solar options, incentives, and installers for generating electricity as an individual project or a group net metered one. Hosted by Acorn Energy Co-op with support from Addison County Regional Planning Commission. For info, call 385-1911.
Biomass to Biofuels UVM Class. Starts Fri, March 25 and runs Fri afternoons and all day Sat for six weeks at the UVM campus.
There is a tuition cost but Vermont residents, 65 yrs old and up, can take this (and any) course at UVM tuition free. See here for the course description and more info.
ACORN ENERGY CO-OP ANNUAL MEETING in Middlebury. Wed, Mar 30, 5 - 7 pm, 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.
GEOTHERMAL Program in Middlebury. Wed, Apr 20, 7 - 9 pm, Ilsley Library Community Room
Learn how to navigate the maze of geothermal options, incentives, and installers for space heating and cooling. Hosted by Acorn Energy Co-op with support from Addison County Regional Planning Commission. For info, call 385-1911. |
| 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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