Acorn Energy Co-op passed another important milestone this week on our Group Net Metering (GNM) project with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Co-operative Insurance Companies (Ci) in Middlebury who will provide the equity capital. We are very pleased to have worked out a mutually beneficial collaboration between cooperatives with this highly-regarded local business. We believe this is the first cooperative/cooperative/municipal GNM project in the state.

Ci's Chief Financial Officer, David Tatlock says "This is an exciting project! We are really looking forward to working with you to make it happen." We're excited too.

The proposed 150 kilowatt project is to be located at a site recently approved by the Town of Middlebury north and northwest of the Middlebury police station. The remaining major steps for the project are completion of an engineering design, selection of an installer, and the securing of long term debt financing, followed by actual construction. If all goes according to schedule, we hope to complete the project by the end of this year.

More exciting details coming soon. Stay tuned.

VPIRG's Solar Addison County Initiative

Many of you are probably aware of the recent Solar Addison County initiative by the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG). A lot of Acorn Energy Co-op members and community friends have asked us what our position on the program is.

While we were not initially aware of the program, it's clear that VPIRG's goal of increasing the number of solar hot water (SHW) systems in Addison County is in alignment with our own goals. We have recently reached an agreement on ways we can collaborate with VPIRG to promote more SHW installations in the county. Consequently, VPIRG's Solar Addison County initiative has both the support and endorsement of Acorn Energy Co-op.

We remind co-op members that we have offered similar discounts on Stiebel Eltron SHW systems for the past year and a half and will continue to do so in parallel with VPIRG's program. You now have even more choices!

TODAY is the Last Day to Order before Price Increase!

As part of our ongoing public outreach program, the Acorn Energy Co-op had a booth at SolarFest that we shared with our Affiliate, Stiebel Eltron from West Hatfield, MA. The festival took place on Friday, July 15 through Sunday July 17 at Forget-Me-Not Farm in Tinmouth, Vermont.

We also had numerous conversations with area residents about our deep member discounts on Solar Domestic Hot Water systems from Stiebel Eltron, as well as the many benefits of co-op membership. At one point or another, most of the Co-op's board was on hand to answer a wide range of renewable energy-related questions from Fair attendees.

The fair also gave us the opportunity to network with several renewable energy system providers or installers who are interested in becoming Co-op Energy Products or Services Partners. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success.

10 North Main Street, Vergennes

This month we shine the light on another energy saver-traveling by bicycle. Little City Cycles, one of the Co-op's newest community partners, can supply you with a new or used bicycle for your commuting and recreational needs. Acorn Energy Co-op members receive a 10% discount off all bicycles and labor, including tune-ups.

Little City Cycles also features electric bicycles. Owner Tim Mathewson has developed various models and can help fit you with an electric bike that matches your needs and gives you the freedom to commute with minimal environmental impact and cost.

An electric bike is defined as having three components: 1) workable pedals 2) an electric motor that is 750 watts or less, and 3) doesn't exceed a speed of 20 MPH.

Whether you seek to commute, run errands or have your teenager go to Little League in a way that is environmentally friendly and inexpensive, an electric bike can be the solution. As Tim says, "Buy the bike you are going to ride."

Check them out at Little City Cycles located at 10 North Main St, Vergennes.  For more information, go to www.littlecitycycles.com or call 877-3000.