Regional Planning &
Economic Development
in the Northeast Kingdom
ENERGY UPDATE May 2025
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Save the Date! NEK Energy Network Meeting
June 5, 12:30pm (online)
Northeastern Vermont Development Association Please join us for the next quarterly NEK Energy Network Meeting - all energy committees, community organizations and energy partners are welcome! Share best practices, lessons learned and success stories. Hear about the latest energy incentives, rebates and multi-solving ideas out there to benefit your community!
"Suds & Science" Event: Dam Removal Stories
May 6, 6:30pm, White River Junction
Restoration Ecologist Karina Dailey will be joining the Vermont Center for Ecostudies for their May "Suds & Science" event in White River Junction! Karina will be sharing fundamental concepts of watershed science and the impact of man-made dams along Vermont's rivers. She will share stories from four recent dam removal projects, engaging the community from the ground up, and the restoration outcomes that result from a free-flowing river.
VECAN Energy Leader Peer to Peer Roundtable
May 7, 12-1pm (online)
Join VECAN to get an update from the Climate Action Office on what they heard from their public engagement efforts throughout April on the draft Climate Action Plan. Some topics covered include transportation, weatherization, agriculture, and resilience strategies. This update will set the stage for discussions among community energy leaders in peer breakouts around shared priorities, opportunities, and needs in Town Energy and Climate Committees throughout the state. Please join for an update on what Vermonters are thinking about climate and lend your stories of what’s working and ideas on what’s needed in the breakout sessions.
EAN Webinar on New Research
May 8, 12pm (online)
Join EAN for a presentation and discussion on their latest research paper: Fossil Fuel Sales in Vermont: What the Latest Data Mean for the State Economy, Vermont Consumers, and GHG Emissions Reduction Commitments.
This paper summarizes the latest statewide fossil fuel sales data, through 2024, and analyzes both what it means for Vermonters’ energy costs and where Vermont stands relative to the first Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) emissions reduction obligation.
VEC Annual Meeting - FREE Breakfast, Raffle & Fun
May 10, 8-10:30am, Jay Peak Resort
Join Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) Saturday, May 10 at Jay Peak Resort for a fun and stimulating Annual Meeting! Enjoy a free breakfast then hear from VEC leaders about how the co-op procures the power we supply to members, now and into the future. We'll have a drawing for prizes that include an electric food smoker courtesy of Downs Rachlin Martin, a battery-powered string trimmer generously donated by Efficiency Vermont, and more.
Residential Building Energy Standard (RBES) Training for Municipal Staff
May 15, 11am-12pm
Residential Building Energy Standard (RBES) a.k.a. the Building Energy Code, is a minimum standard for energy efficient construction that applies to all new residential construction, additions, most renovations, alterations, and repairs. As per Act 89 of 2013, municipal officials must provide RBES information when a residential building or zoning permit is applied for. This educational session will explain RBES in more detail and provide municipal staff with information and tools to assist builders and ensure RBES certificates are recorded in the land records.
Wheelock Energy Fair
May 17, 10am-2pm, Town Hall 1192 VT-122
Learn how easy, affordable, and cozy weatherizing your home for winter can be! Receive hands-on assistance from local organizations to help you "button up," access rebates and save money!
Face painting for kids! FREE Food! Door Prizes and MORE!
Visiting Partners include: HEAT Squad, Efficiency Vermont & Button Up VT, NETO, NEKCA, Rural Edge, Solar Power VT LLC, and Window Dressers.
**Paid for by the MERP Mini-Grant**
It's a WRAP!
Increase comfort, save on energy
The Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program (WRAP) may be able to help you pay for energy-saving home improvements over time through a low-interest monthly charge on your utility bill, reducing or eliminating upfront costs. The state-funded program assists both homeowners and renters. WRAP projects can include insulation and air sealing as well as heat pumps, water heaters, and advanced wood heating systems. WRAP does not run credit checks to verify eligibility.
Tax Credit Season
Rewiring America calculator!
“Yay tax season!” said no one, ever. But you can add a little pep in your step by making sure you’re getting as much money back as possible. Visit the Rewiring America incentives calculator to maximize your clean energy tax credits and get inspired for your next project.
Flood Resources
Get EVT rebates before they sunset in June!
Low- and moderate-income homeowners and renters in your community might be eligible for up to $29,500 to replace flood-damaged appliances. Time is ticking: The rebate is only available through June 30.
FREE Efficiency Products for Renters
Check the EVT website for more info!
Renters in Vermont may be eligible for free products like LED lightbulbs, smart lightbulbs, and showerheads. This offer is a no-brainer! Share with renters in your community to help save on energy costs.
Spring is for Heat Pumps
Incentives & rebates available!
Heat pumps are champions of the shoulder seasons. When it’s too warm to run your furnace or wood stove, but you still need to take the chill out of the air, a heat pump is a great energy efficient solution. Check out the discounts of $350 or more off a heat pump!
Arthur Gibb Award for Sustainability Community Leadership
June 13 Deadline for Nominations
VNRC is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Arthur Gibb Award for Sustainable Community Leadership!
This award honors Arthur Gibb, the former legislator who dedicated much of his life to public service to ensure that Vermont is a better place for future generations. We seek to honor an individual whose leadership has brought about positive and lasting change in the way that individual’s community integrates growth and conservation. Nominate a sustainability community leader deserving recognition in your community by June 13, 2025.
All nominees will be considered for the award based on qualities exemplified by Arthur Gibb, including their commitment to public service, leadership, vision, humility, creativity, balance and integrity.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Funding Available!
This statewide program administered for the VT Department of Housing and Community Development supports turnkey services including technical assistance, a design for sighting of the chargers, completion of a full plan for installation, make-ready upgrades, charging hardware, and full installation of the chargers. Locations such as workplaces, multi-unit dwellings, and public attraction (town office, library, park and ride, park, etc.) are eligible. Grant amount varies based on level of charger installed. Pre-approved electrical contractors and local electric utilities offer technical assistance to help applicants who may have limited experience with EV charging.
NEK MERP Support provided by NVDA
June 30 - VHDP Historic Review Deadline
Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) Implementation Grant funds are rolling out and project development has begun in our region! MERP awardees, if you have any questions or technical assistance needs, please reach out to Carter Finegan at [email protected] or call 802-227-2506.
NVDA is here to help and can assist with:
- Financial Hardship application (easy & quick turnaround of funds)
- Submitting required BGS documentation
- VDHP Historic Review - June 30 deadline
- Connecting with contractors or local vendors
- Best practices for initiating projects
Northeastern Vermont Development Association | PO Box 630 36 Eastern Ave. Suite 1 | St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 US
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