Regional Planning & Economic Development in the Northeast Kingdom
ENERGY UPDATE Mar 2026
How States Can Address Load Growth While Decarbonizing
Mar 11, 1pm (online)
Data center development, expanded manufacturing, and the electrification of transportation and buildings are causing a rapid increase in electricity demand. But will this be met primarily by additional fossil fuel power plants or can clean energy solutions play a major role? A recent report by the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), "How States Can Address Load Growth While Decarbonizing", aims to help state officials, as well as other stakeholders, understand how policymakers can respond to electric load growth in ways that continue to advance decarbonization of the electricity system.
In this CESA webinar, report co-author Todd Olinsky-Paul will cover strategies such as prioritizing energy efficiency, addressing peak load through demand response and virtual power plant programs, implementing energy storage technologies, incentivizing clean energy generation, and more. As an example of the ways in which states can reduce peak load to make it easier and less expensive to accommodate rising electricity demand, Commissioner Philip L. Bartlett II of the Maine Public Utilities Commission will discuss that state’s efforts to advance time-of-use electricity rates. CESA Executive Director Warren Leon will moderate.
Climate Ready Vermont
Mar 18, Fairbanks Museum, St. Johnsbury
Climate Ready VT is a 1-day program to help small businesses adapt to climate change and prepare for climate-related business disruptions. Presented by VT Businesses for Social Responsibility and the Northern Forest Center. Participants will work with experts to create a Climate Resilience Action Plan.
Resilient Solar+Storage Training Course for Building Owners and Managers
FREE, online, self-paced course
Inclusiv and the Center for Impact Finance (CIF) at the University of New Hampshire have updated their resilient solar and storage training course for building owners and managers. The course focuses on resilient solar+storage for community-serving facilities (such as community centers, schools, health centers, etc.), but the information is useful for all types of buildings. Clean Energy Group contributed content to the course and has made some of the materials available on its website. The course has been updated to reflect OBBBA changes to policy.
The 5-6 hour course is free, self-paced, and open to all on a rolling basis. It is available in both English and Spanish. Participants receive a certificate upon completing the course. Program links are below:
Charge Vermont - EV Charging Grants
Apply soon - while NEK 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!
EAN Webinar | How to improve heat pump installation and use in Vermont
Mar 30, 12-1pm (online)
How can we improve heat pump installation and use in Vermont? We’ll hear from the following Vermont and regional leaders:
- Vermont Heat Pump Action Plan | Kelly Lucci and Phil Bickel, Efficiency Vermont
- Burlington Electric Department’s next steps | Nate Gunesch, BED
- Learning from Maine | Bridget Gifford, Efficiency Maine
- Regional Context | Emily Levin, Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM)
Efficiency Vermont Doubles Incentives for Businesses
Up to $25,000!
For a limited time, Efficiency Vermont will double rebates for energy efficiency upgrades up to $25,000. Free energy consultation, a customized project plan, and ongoing support for energy-saving projects to be completed by November 2026. Is your business eligible for this enhanced incentive program? Call 888-921-5990 to start a conversation!
Also, learn about 2026 rebates your community can take advantage of in this recent press release and explore all Efficiency Vermont rebates online.
VEEP GENERATE!
Solutions for Curriculum, Climate, & Community
VEEP's 2026 summer institute for teachers is currently open for registration. Running from June 22-26, at this institute teachers will plan a curriculum that cultivates hope and brings students meaningful learning opportunities to tackle relevant climate solutions for their community. Open to all educators, any grade, any subject. Full scholarships available to VT and NH teachers.
Northeastern Vermont Development Association