Weybridge Energy Committee
Our Energy Committee meets at the Weybridge Congregational Church on the first Friday of each month at 8:30am.
Come visit our table at Weybridge town meeting! Stay tuned for details about the May 2024 Eco Fair.
September 2023 update: The purchase of 30 solar panels in the Bristol Community Solar Array, approved two years ago, has resulted in significant savings for the town. Compared to 2021, the cost of town office electricity use declined from $2,025 to $1,089 in 2022, a 46% drop. The bill for the Fire Department/Highway Department garage went down from $1,200 to $519 over the same time period, a 57% drop. With these savings, payback to the town for the solar panels purchased in 2021 is on track to be completed in 12 ½ years, as projected. Residents can be proud that over 50% of the Town’s electricity is carbon emissions-free!
July 2021 Announcement: Town of Weybridge Buys into Solar Power
The Weybridge Energy Committee is pleased to announce that our town's Selectboard has voted unanimously to buy into Acorn Energy Co-op's Bristol Community Solar Project. The purchase of 30 solar panels will provide enough energy to offset all the electricity used at the town office and the town garage/fire station. Acorn Energy hopes to begin construction of the Bristol solar array in the next few weeks and to begin generating energy early next year.
This purchase means that the town of Weybridge will receive green electric energy for at least the next 25 years while saving approximately 50% off its electric bill. Funds for this purchase will come from the accrued Weybridge Energy Fund. There will be no tax impact from this purchase (except for lower electric bills).
Weatherization Rebates and Tax Credits – 2024
Efficiency Vermont (EVT): (888)-921-5990
Rebates https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/rebates/list?cat=&hvacfilter=&type=res
Examples for a moderate income (< $118,920) household of 4:
Heating, Cooling, and Water Heating
- Ductless heat pump: Discount starting at $350 + $200 income bonus
- Smart thermostats: $100 rebate for select ENERGY STAR models
- Water heaters: $300-$600 for select heat pump water heaters + $200 income bonus
- Window air conditioners: $100 rebate for select ENERGY STAR models
- DIY weatherization: $100 back on select do-it-yourself projects, such as window inserts, or air sealing windows and doors.
Appliances
- Heat pump clothes dryers: $200-$400
- Dehumidifiers: $25-$40
Home Energy Assessments
www.efficiencyvermont.com/services/energy-assessments/home-energy-assessments
EVT offers free virtual home visits and standard home energy assessments by an Efficiency Excellence Network (EEN) contractor. They also do healthy home assessments for households with chronic illness or health risks.
Weatherization
efficiencyvermont.com/services/renovation-construction/weatherization
Up to 75% off project costs, up to $5,000, completed by an EEN contractor and achieving a minimum 10% reduction in air leakage. Low income residents may be eligible for free weatherization services.
EVT Efficiency Excellence Network Contractors in or near Addison County:
For example, a list of weatherization contractors in or near Addison county is available here.
Green Mountain Power
https://greenmountainpower.com/rebates-programs/home-heating-cooling/
Rebates:
- Heat pump, up to $2000 (income-eligible)
- Heat pump water heater, up to $600
https://greenmountainpower.com/rebates-programs/home-and-yard/
(888) 835-4672.
Rebates:
- Induction Cooktops - $200
- Cold Climate/Ductless Heat Pumps/Mini-Splits – $300-700 for moderate income households
- Electric lawn mowers - $100
- Electric yard equipment (trimmers, leaf blowers, chain saws) - $25
Vermont Gas
https://vgsvt.com/savings/residentialrebate
(802) 863-4511 x321
Weatherization Programs and Rebates
New in 2024: Rebates are already applied to the price when contractor purchases from a local distributor. Examples for high-efficiency installations:
- Hot Air Furnace – $400 plus tax credit (See below)
- Boiler – $600 plus tax credit
- Tank Water Heater – $300 plus tax credit
- Smart Thermostat – $100
In addition, VGS will cover up to 75% of total project cost for income-eligible customers.
Vermont WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program),
administered locally through CVOEO (Champlain Valley Office of Equal Opportunity)
https:/www.cvoeo.org/get-help/weatherization
Provides free energy audits, heating systems check-ups, and lighting and appliance upgrades in partnership with EVT to income-eligible households.
New in 2024 – IRA Home Energy Rebate Program
https://www.energy.gov/scep/home-energy-rebate-program
The Inflation Reduction Act includes $8.8 billion for home energy efficiency and electrification projects. Of this amount, $58,555,080 is coming to Vermont. Home Energy Performance-Based Whole-House (or Residential Energy Efficiency) Tax Credits: $29,362,920. High Efficiency Electric Home (or Electrification) Rebates : $29,192,160
The electrification rebates are available to moderate and low-income households.
Examples for a household of 4 with a $100,000 income:
- Heat Pump - $8,000
- Heat Pump Water Heater - $1750
- Heat Pump Clothes Dryer - $840
- Efficiency Rebates for retrofits yielding specified energy savings – up to $4000
The residential energy efficiency tax credits are available for 2023. Examples:
- Heat Pump - $2,000
- Heat Pump Water Heater - $2,000
- Weatherization - $1,200
- Rooftop Solar Installation – 30%
Estimated Savings Calculator
Scenes from the 2023 Weybridge Eco Fair: over 110 attendees, 60 plants and dozens of seeds shared, 11 electric vehicles, 2 e-bikes and 5 pieces of electric lawn equipment. Plan to join us for the 2024 Eco Fair next May!
Resources
Town Energy Plan on page 41 of the town plan, adopted in 2019
Recycling
Weybridge recycling (Behind the fire station on Quaker Village Rd. Saturdays 9:30am-11am). To volunteer, contact Chris Anderson (802) 545-2874 or canderson@acsdvt.org.
Addison County Transfer Station 1223 Route 7 South in Middlebury
Plastic Film Recycling not to be included with your other recyclables.
Electric Vehicles
Electric Lawn Implements: www.MowElectric.org & www.ecoequipmentsupply.com
Weatherization Assistance Program (Income qualified)
Energy upgrades & savings
CEAC newsletter sign up
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Weybridge have an energy committee?
The Town of Weybridge Energy Plan from 2010 recommended that the Town create an Energy Committee to help mitigate the effects of climate change and to help educate residents about ways to conserve energy, use renewable energy, and adopt transportation alternatives to save fossil fuels. The Energy Committee looks for opportunities to partner with organizations to provide services to Weybridge residents.
What are my options for garbage disposal? What can be recycled in Weybridge?
Trash drop off is behind the Weybridge Fire Station on Quaker Village Road on Saturdays 9:30 am to 11:00 am. $5/bag disposal fee.
Blue bin recycling can be dropped off behind the Weybridge Fire Station on Quaker Village Road Hours: Saturdays 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Weybridge’s Recycling Coordinator is Chris Anderson 545-2874 - call with questions or to volunteer.
Guidance on special recycling in Addison County can be found on this recycling guide. Addison County Transfer Station accepts special items such as: plastic film (saran wrap, bubble wrap, plastic grocery bags), disposable razors, and yard waste.
What are my options for disposing of food waste if they are not allowed in the trash?
Backyard composting - Residents who compost at home are allowed to dispose of meat and dairy food items in the trash. Alternatively, those items can be dropped off at the Weybridge trash drop off on Saturday mornings from 9:30 - 11:00. Brenda Kimball charges $1 per gallon of food waste.
Food scraps can also be dropped off for $1 per 5-gallon container (plus $1 administrative fee) at the Addison County Transfer Station. Kitchen collectors and 5-gallon compost buckets are available for purchase at the transfer station.
What is weatherization?
Weatherization aims to minimize a building’s energy consumption by reducing heat loss. A weatherized home is more comfortable, less drafty, and has lower operational energy costs. Typically, it involves identifying and sealing air leaks in basements and attics and around doors and windows, adding insulation, and in the process, also mitigating any potential health and safety hazards such as old wiring or excess moisture. It is a necessary first step in any energy project. By reducing a building’s energy usage to its lowest possible point, further energy improvements like heat pumps or solar arrays can be sized appropriately for the space, often smaller than if a home is not weatherized.
How do I get started with a weatherization project for my home?
Here are some of the best resources to help you get started with your weatherization project and to identify which rebates and incentives you may qualify for:
NeighborWorks of Western Vermont - Heat Squad
Do I qualify for the weatherization assistance program?
Some Vermont residents qualify for free home weatherization. To learn more about this program and see if you qualify, visit: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/weatherization
Do heat pumps make sense in Vermont?
Yes! Advances in technology have made heat pumps efficient alternatives for or supplements to traditional heating systems, even in cold climates like Vermont. Every home is different so it’s important to talk to a professional about the best options for your home. As always, weatherizing your home before considering a heat pump is the best strategy.
Where do I find information about rebates on energy saving products and services?
Efficiency Vermont is a comprehensive resource for rebates on all sorts of energy saving products and services.
Green Mountain Power also offers many rebates on electric products.
Where can I get information about solar installers?
This handy guide offers a lot of information about going solar in Vermont. Once you’ve decided that it’s right for you, check out Efficiency Vermont and LiveGreenVT for solar installers.
Always weatherize first before going solar!
Does Weybridge have any electric vehicle charging stations?
Not yet, but DriveElectricVermont has resources for finding the nearest charging stations.
Past Projects:
Regional winner in the 2013 Efficiency Vermont Home Energy Challenge (the most homes weatherized per capita). We won $10,000 which we used to purchase and install a heat pump in the town office. We also purchased a heat pump hot water heater for the Weybridge School.
Energy audits for the town office and town garage. We encouraged the town to allocate money to weatherize the entire building, including the installation of new insulated doors on the town garage.
Composting educational campaign
Film Recycling workshops
Also find us on facebook or email us at Energy@townofweybridge.org