Efficiency Vermont is working with contractors and community-based organizations to help residents and small businesses rebuild after Tropical Storm Irene.
Free services from Efficiency Vermont for flood-damaged structures include:
· Free flood repair assessments and air sealing by certified contractors, including moisture assessments, blower-door tests to identify areas of air leakage, air sealing, combustion safety testing to determine carbon monoxide levels and recommendations for rebuilding safely and energy efficiently;
· Enhanced weatherization and appliances replacement for low-income Vermonters, in collaboration with local weatherization assistance programs;
· Special custom ‘Button Up’ workshops scheduled around the state, to help Vermonters rebuild safely and energy efficiently, in partnership with the Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC);
· Incentives of up to $1,000 to help Vermonters replace and upgrade heating systems and hot water heaters, in cooperation with the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association; and
· Customized incentives for businesses on equipment replacement as well as structural repairs.
In addition, Efficiency Vermont continues to offer residential incentives of $25 - $100 to assist with the purchase of energy efficient refrigerators, clothes washers and dehumidifiers.
‘Vermonters have been doing a tremendous job recovering from Irene,’ said Jim Merriam, director of Efficiency Vermont. ‘Efficiency Vermont is here to help them do so in a way that helps meet immediate needs, while also strengthening our communities for the future.’
To further help flood-damaged communities, Efficiency Vermont and CVCAC are offering a special version of the popular Button-Up Vermont do-it-yourself workshops in September and early October. These free workshops (dates and locations to be announced) will deal with drying walls and basements, addressing mold issues, and improving building and heating system efficiency.
"VFDA members are busy fixing heating equipment that was damaged by the storm," said Matt Cota, Executive Director of the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association. "In many instances, a new high efficiency system or hot water heater is a better choice than fixing what is currently in the basement. Thanks to these incentives, these systems will be a little easier to afford."
Efficiency Vermont assessments, air sealing and other measures are available for a limited time. Limited funding is available for the rebates that will be provided on a first-received basis. More information can be found by contacting Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990or www.efficiencyvermont.com/irene.
Community leaders in flood-affected areas who want to schedule workshops are encouraged to contact Liz Schlegel of CVCAC at 802-477-5237 or [email protected].
For more information about all of Efficiency Vermont’s services to help Vermonters with Tropical Storm Irene recovery, visit www.efficiencyvermont.com/irene, or call toll-free 888-921-5990.
Efficiency Vermont was created by the Vermont Legislature and the Vermont Public Service Board to help all Vermonters reduce energy costs, strengthen the economy, and protect Vermont's environment. Efficiency Vermont is currently operated by Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), an independent organization under appointment to the Vermont Public Service Board. VEIC is a Vermont-based nonprofit organization founded in 1986. For more information, contact Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990 or visit www.efficiencyvermont.com.