Minutes of Manchester Energy Committee - June 30, 2022
Present: Carl Bucholt, Carol Berry, Joanne O’Connor, Tim Lalor, Jim Hand, Steven Henry, Jen Lalor
* Carl called the meeting to order at 7:01pm.
* Meeting minutes from 6/16/22 were unanimously approved by EC members.
* Old Business: Discussion of various projects we could/would like to work on.
1. “Window Dressers” summarized by Jim Hand; a storm window insert/ weatherization program started by a Maine nonprofit. All of the energy committees in Bennington County - except Manchester - participated in the campaign a year ago.
The Manchester energy committee could get involved this year by promoting the program through advertising, flyers, fundraising and volunteering with the actual Community Builds.
Rebates of $100 are offered through Efficiency VT and discounts are available for low income homeowners (and renters if they pay for their heat).
The cost depends on the window size with costs ranging from $35 to $75 per window.
All EC members agreed this is a worthwhile project to participate in this year.
2. Tesla Super Chargers--Steven proposed working with Tesla to bring a set of Superchargers (440 volt/level 3) to Manchester. Would need to find a landowner open to the idea. He described generally how it works; Tesla would pay for the installation. The EC will form a subcommittee to look into this further. Federal grants are available. Having such chargers would attract tourists to the area.
The state of Vermont probably has money available to offset the cost for the town to install Level 2 EV chargers near the 40-units of housing proposed for downtown.
3. Options for Act 172/ARPA funds were discussed. The town’s plans are unclear relative to meeting VT’s energy goals. The committee will work on developing a baseline audit report to find out if there are taxpayer savings that can be achieved. The Arlington Energy Committee has been working on an energy audit and plans. They have offered to share their spreadsheet calculation with us to get us started. Joanne will follow up with Arlington committee members as their work becomes available.
* The next meeting will be in 2 weeks on July 14th at 7:00 PM via Zoom - Unless we are able to meet in person at the Town Hall.
* A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed to adjourn the meeting at
8:28pm.