Regional Planning & Economic Development in the Northeast Kingdom
ENERGY UPDATE Aug 2025
NVDA 2026 Regional Plan Update
Upcoming Public Feedback Events & Ways to Get Involved!
The NVDA Regional Plan update takes place every eight years, and is informed by changing local needs, state requirements, and - most importantly- input from the people who live and work in the NEK. That's where you come in! Robust community participation is essential to ensure the plan reflects the values, priorities, and unique character of our 55 communities. Please join us at any of the upcoming public input opportunities. Visit NVDA's table at one (or all!) of the events below for chances to provide feedback, share your priorities and concerns. There will be interactive activities and RAFFLE PRIZES to be won! You can also take NVDA’s survey. Have questions? Contact NVDA anytime!
Upcoming Events & Ways to Get Involved in the NEK Regional Plan Update:
- Wednesdays on the Waterfront - Newport City, Aug 6, 6-8:30pm
- Barton Burger & Brews - Barton, Aug 19, 4-8pm
- Moose Festival - Canaan, Aug 23, 10am-3pm
- St. Johnsbury's Final Friday - St. Johnsbury, Aug 29, 4-7pm
- Hardwick Farmers Market - Hardwick, Sept 19, 3-6pm
- Autumn on the Green - Danville, Oct 5, 10am-4pm
- More events to be announced soon - check the link below for updates!
Charge Vermont - EV Charging Grants for NEK
Apply soon - while funds last!
Getting an EV Charger in Vermont? Looking to add a charger for employees or residential tenants? Charge Vermont can help cover the costs. Funding is still available to workplaces and multi-unit residences in all three NEK Counties (Essex, Orleans, and Caledonia).
- If you are a women or minority-owned applicant, there is 0% match.
- If you are a non-profit, government agency or multi-unit dwellings (with 50% or more affordable housing units) applicant, there is a 5% match.
- First come, first served - through August 1, 2026.
- Learn more and apply!
MERP Implementation Support
NVDA is here to help!
All communities participating in the Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) have around 1.5 years left to spend down their MERP award! The MERP Implementation grant must be closed out by December 2026. How's it going in your community? Where are you in the timeline below? Do you need additional support? Check out NVDA's Guidance on MERP Implementation. Have you reached Steps 4 & 5? MERP awardees are encouraged to contact NVDA if you have any questions or technical assistance needs. Please reach out to Carter Finegan at [email protected] or call 802-227-2506.
Clean Fuel Tax Credits
Get 'em while you can!
Now is a great time to purchase an electric vehicle, and there will remain opportunities into the near future as well!
- Used Clean Vehicles (25E): Up to $4,000 for qualified buyers and vehicles. This credit will be terminated after September 30, 2025.
- New Clean Vehicles(30D): Up to $7,500 for qualified buyers and vehicles. This credit will be terminated after September 30, 2025.
- Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit (45W): $7,500-$40,000 dependent on eligibility requirements. This credit will be terminated after September 30, 2025.
- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (30C): Up to $100,000 for qualified AFV fueling property and up to $1,000 for consumers installing at home charging infrastructure. This credit will be terminated after June 30, 2026.
- The New Clean Vehicle Tax Credit can only be applied to certain vehicles. If you are in the market for any of the 29 make and trim levels listed on fueleconomy.gov, act now to make your purchase before September 30.
- If you are interested in a used electric vehicle that is under $25,000, you should purchase this vehicle immediately.
- For used EVs over $25,000, the termination of the tax credit does not impact your purchase.
- Check your local dealers for any deals on used electric vehicles that are over the $25,000 used clean fuel tax credit limit but still significantly well below the MSRP.
SolarFest 2025
Aug 8-10 (Brandon, VT)
2025 continues the 30-year tradition of bringing together generations of friends and family from Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and 22 other states, plus Canada for a fun solar-powered summer festival with live music, great food, and exciting activities for all ages.
Workshops across eight subject tracks include scores of hands-on presentations by experts and practitioners on important topics that offer practical solutions to real-world concerns. From film to food, solar to storage, and transportation to technology, SolarFest’25 will be an incredible experience!
VCRD's 6th Community Leadership Summit
Aug 11, 9-4pm (Vermont State University, Randolph)
Join hundreds of community builders from across the state to gain skills and cultivate connections for a vibrant future. This event is a chance to explore how we can work together to get things done, even when times are tough and resources are limited. Through workshops, panels, group discussions, and networking, participants will gain useful ideas, make connections, and hear inspiring success stories and tips.
USDA Rural Development
Funding & Programs - Application deadline: OPEN!
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program
USDA Rural Development provides funds to help consumers save money, reduce the need to purchase or generate energy, reduce electricity emissions, and help strengthen rural economies through energy efficiency and conservation projects.
Electric Infrastructure Loan & Loan Guarantee Program
USDA Rural Development finances the construction of electric facilities and improvements to electric service in rural areas.
Efficiency Vermont Survey
Your feedback is needed!
Every three years Efficiency Vermont (EVT) creates a plan for the programs Vermont needs to help save money on energy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions in our state. This document is called the Demand Resources Plan (DRP), and this process is overseen by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Your feedback plays a vital role in guiding EVT's work. Please take EVT's survey (~5-10 minutes) and your input will help them better support households and businesses across the state.
Northern Forest Outdoor Recreation Planning Toolkit
Aug 6, 12pm (online webinar)
Join for the webinar launch of the Northern Forest Outdoor Recreation Planning Toolkit! Developed by Caleigh Mullins, UNH Sustainability Fellow, this toolkit guides communities and stakeholder groups by providing keys to success and best practices, to successfully plan, implement, and sustain community driven outdoor recreation projects. The toolkit includes case studies of successful projects in the region and what it took to make them happen, key trends from across projects, and a resource guide.
Heat Waves and Battery Storage Potential
NEK Electric Utilities Offer Incentives & Programs!
The heat wave that hit Vermont and the northeast this summer caused the ISO New England grid to see its second-highest power demand ever recorded! Battery storage is one technology that can help our grid manage the heat even better.
Many electric utilities in the NEK region offer battery energy storage programs and incentives:
- Washington Electric Coop (WEC)
- Vermont Electric Coop (VEC) - see image below for new offer later this year!
- Green Mountain Power (GMP)
- IRS Battery Storage Tax Credit
Commercial Energy Loan
Financing Available!
This program helps Vermont businesses finance qualifying renewable energy generation and energy efficiency improvement projects. Maximum loan size under this program is $6 million (see Loan Rates, Terms and Fees section below). VEDA may either make its own direct loan or purchase a portion of another Financial Institution's loan.
2025 Best Practices Exchange
Sept 17 & 18 (Killington, VT)
The 2025 Best Practices Exchange (BPX) will take place Sept 17 & 18 at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel in Killington, Vermont. Secure your spot today!
At BPX, facility managers, decision-makers, experienced mechanical contractors, and relevant product manufacturers collaborate with Efficiency Vermont’s Account Management and Energy Consultant teams to share industry best practices.
The BPX schedule of events has been published! Attendees from non-sponsoring organizations can register for free, but an advance RSVP is required. Registration covers pre-event activities on Wed, Sept 17, as well as breakfast, lunch, and presentations on Thurs, Sept 18.
Save the Date! In-Person VECAN Conference
Sat, Nov 1 (Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee)
Join VECAN on Saturday, Nov 1 at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee. Learn about programs and opportunities that leaders can implement locally, as well as steps we can take together in our communities to bring forward needed climate action.
- Save the date! VECAN would love to see as many of you there as possible to build connections and momentum, so mark your calendars!
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Share your ideas! What initiatives and events are you working on? What roadblocks have you run into? What’s something you’d like to learn more about at the VECAN conference?
Northeastern Vermont Development Association | PO Box 630 36 Eastern Ave. Suite 1 | St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 US
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