Regional Planning & Economic Development in the Northeast Kingdom
ENERGY UPDATE May 2026
Stretch Code, HERS Raters, and Municipalities: Learning from Massachusetts
May 11, 12-1pm (online)
Vermont currently lacks any formal residential energy code enforcement mechanism, relying instead on self-reported compliance on behalf of builders and contractors. Studies have shown compliance rates declining over the last few code cycles. In response to this, the EAN Municipal Energy Code Collaborative is exploring ways in which interested municipalities might be able to administer and enforce Vermont’s Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES).
This meeting will provide the opportunity to learn about how Massachusetts approaches residential energy code enforcement. We will hear from Ian Finlayson, the Deputy Director of Building Codes and Policy at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, about how HERS raters coordinate and interface with municipalities to support energy code compliance in Massachusetts. There will be time for Q&A and a discussion about which elements of the Massachusetts system might work in Vermont.
NEK Energy Network Meeting
May 27, 12-1:30pm (online)
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 lastest energy incentives, rebates and programs available to benefit your community!
Become an EV Charging Site Host
Up to $13 million in funding!
Know of any NEK property owners or authorized entity (such as a retail location, gas station, or commercial or municipal property) who might be interested in hosting public EV chargers?
- The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is offering up to $13 million in federal NEVI funding to expand public EV charging stations statewide.
- Property owners can become "site hosts" by providing space for charging installations, which must have at least four ports and meet criteria like proximity to highways, safety, accessibility, and amenities.
- Site hosts benefit from financial support, increased traffic, and help improve the environment!
- Site host agreements outline terms, ownership, payments, and maintenance responsibilities.
- Interested property owners should complete the survey below to connect with prequalified EV charging providers.
Hawaii Prioritizes Energy Equity So No One Gets Left Behind or Forgotten
Podcast available online
This episode of The Climate Conversation, a podcast by EESI, highlights how Hawaii is prioritizing energy equity through innovative programs. Hawaii faces some of the highest electricity costs in the United States, a burden that disproportionately impacts low- and moderate-income households. Expanding access to solar energy through inclusive financing mechanisms, such as the Green Energy Money $aver on-bill financing program, which removes credit and upfront cost barriers and ties repayment to utility bill savings, has helped broaden clean energy adoption for renters, nonprofits, and underserved ratepayers. The state’s experience also demonstrates how mission-driven institutions like green banks can provide low-cost financing and support community resilience projects that lower energy bills and improve access to clean energy.
Brownington Energy Fair
May 30, 9am-3pm (FREE lunch @103 Chase Rd)
Check out this Energy Fair for surrounding NEK communities! On May 30 visit the town school gym and hear from energy professionals to learn all about ways to take advantage of incentives for home improvements, energy savings and more!
Home Repair Program
For income-eligible homeowners
The Home Repair Program offered by RuralEdge is designed to assist income-eligible homeowners in the Northeast Kingdom with low-interest rehab loans and grants, through their Revolving Loan Fund, to make health & safety repairs to live safely in their home. Eligible repairs may include repairs and replacements to roofs, heating and electrical systems, plumbing, windows, water wells, as well as improvements designed to increase accessibility. Visit the website at ruraledge.org/home-repair to learn more, or contact Rural Edge at 802 535 3555.
The Future of VT Electricity Prices
Webinar recording now available
On EAN's website you can now see a recording of the March 24, 2026 panel discussion on The Future of Electricity Prices in Vermont with the following speakers:
- TJ Poor, Vermont Public Service Department
- Jamie Dickerson, Acadia Center
- Jonathan Dowds, Renewable Energy Vermont
- Moderator: Karen Glitman, EAN Senior Fellow
Vermont Voices on Climate
Climate Action Office Year-End report available!
See what Vermonters around the state are saying about climate change's impacts and solutions in the state's year-end report!
Climate Toolkit: Economic Development Resources
Did you know? The Climate Toolkit has resources to help Vermont businesses, towns, and organizations plan for economic resilience, including:
- tools to prepare for the next storm
- business continuity planning
- assistance for farmers
- ...and more!
Northeastern Vermont Development Association | PO Box 630 36 Eastern Ave. Suite 1 | St. Johnsbury, VT
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