May 30, 2009 P1-P2 Seminar Announced (pdf 25 kb)
Successful completion of the P1-P2 seminar will provide a pre-qualification credit certificate for use when applying for the Heating System Specialist License test, which is required to install solar and radiant heating in Vermont (as provided under approval of the Vermont Plumbers’ Examining Board).
The following topics will be covered: 1) The current Vermont Plumbing Code, 2) The current Vermont Plumbing Rules, 3) Hydronic, Solar, and Steam heating system parts, materials, and installation techniques, and 4) Domestic hot water storage system parts, materials, and installation techniques.
May 27, 2009 Governor's Statement on H.446 (pdf 127 kb)
Pursuant to Chapter II, Section 11 of the Vermont Constitution, I will allow H.446, An Act Relating to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, to become law without my signature.
May 26, 2009 Governor Signs Bill to Encourage Biomass Energy Production (pdf 77 kb)
Governor Jim Douglas has signed into law H. 152, An Act Relating to Encouraging Biomass Energy Production. The biomass bill creates a “biomass energy development working group” to investigate and recommend fiscal and regulatory incentives for biomass energy, as well as guidelines and standards for maintaining forest health, procurement standards and other policy considerations for biomass development in Vermont.
April 14, 2009 Governor Announces More Than $2.5 Million for RE Projects (pdf 114 kb)
Gov. Jim Douglas announces $2.57 million in grant awards for projects proposed in response to the CEDF grant solicitation issued in January 2009. Projects awarded grants are listed in the press release.
April 8, 2009 Chris Recchia Joins BTEC Board (pdf 58 kb)
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) today announced that Christopher Recchia, executive director of the Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC), has been elected to the board of directors. Recchia brings to the board deep experience in environmental conservation and a broad understanding of the impact that biomass thermal energy can have on reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy security.
April 6, 2009 GMP to Build Largest Solar Array (pdf 57 kb)
Green Mountain Power customers will be especially happy to see the sun shine in Berlin, Vermont, where the Company will build the largest solar array in Northern New England. At 200 kilowatts, the new array will be the largest project in Vermont when it is built this summer.
April 2, 2009 Jan Blittersdorf Vice Chair of AWWI (pdf 75 kb)
Jan Blittersdorf, CEO of NRG Systems, was named vice chair of the American Wind Wildlife Institute (AWWI). Recently formed by 20 of the nation’s top science-based conservation and environmental groups and wind energy companies, AWWI is a first-of-its-kind collaboration with a mission of facilitating timely and responsible development of wind energy while protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat. AWWI will do this through research, mapping, mitigation and public education on best practices in wind farm siting and habitat protection.
February 21, 2009 REV Begins PV Training Program (pdf 60 kb)
Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) will train licensed electricians and apprentices, as well as solar contractors, in the latest solar electric (photovoltaic) technologies. Training will include siting, design, installation and maintenance of photovoltaic energy systems in Vermont. In the first year, using a “train the trainer” model, approximately ten instructors will be trained. These instructors will deliver three (3) twenty-four hour courses to between 60 and 75 trainees at locations that will provide statewide training access. REV is now taking reservations for the regional training classes. Licensed electricians and experienced solar contracts are encouraged to reserve a space in the class today.
February 19, 2009 groSolar Acquires Division of Borrego Solar Systems (pdf 105 kb)
Two of the nation’s leading solar power installers announced today that they have entered into an agreement for groSolar of White River Junction, Vt., to acquire the residential solar division of Borrego Solar Systems of El Cajon, Calif.
February 17, 2009 GMP Seeks Reduced Renewable Energy Rate for Customers (pdf 75 kb)
Green Mountain Power has filed a request with the Public Service Board to lower the premium its customers can choose to pay to support the development of renewable energy in Vermont. Currently, under the GreenerGMP program, customers can opt to pay four cents per kilowatt hour more than their normal rate to help GMP support renewable energy projects. The company is requesting the fee be lowered to three cents per kWh.
February 11, 2009 Green Mountain Coffee to Build VT's Largest Solar Array (pdf 89 kb)
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc., will build Vermont’s largest solar array on top of the distribution center of its Green Mountain Coffee facility in Waterbury. Construction of the 100 kW photovoltaic array is expected to begin in the spring of 2009 and be completed by summer.
February 9, 2009 Winstanley Enterprises Proposes Biomass Plant in Springfield (pdf 73 kb)
Winstanley Enterprises of Concord, Mass., has announced plans to build a 25-megawatt woodchip-burning electric generating plant in an existing industrial park in North Springfield. The project is expected to bring jobs to the area, make the park more attractive to industry, and contribute to the state's mix of green energy resources. Preliminary plans for the renewable energy facility were announced by Adam Winstanley, a principal in the company and the lead developer behind three successful industrial projects in Brattleboro and Springfield.
January 15, 2009 REV Job Opening: Communications Director (pdf 70 kb)
REV hiring a part-time employee to help build capacity to provide technical support, education, and outreach to Vermont businesses working in the renewable energy industry with emphasis in the biofuels sector.
January 6, 2009 VT Supreme Court Affirms PSB on Sheffield Wind Farm (pdf 108 kb)
The VT Supreme Court has considered whether whether the Vermont Public Service Board erred in issuing a certificate of public good (CPG) to UPC Vermont Wind, LLC, for a wind generation facility in Sheffield, Vermont. Citizen action group Ridge Protectors, Inc. challenged the Board’s evaluation of several statutory factors necessary to the issuance of a CPG. The Court rejected Ridge’s arguments and affirmed the Board’s decision. Renewable Energy Vermont Executive Director Andrew Perchlik responded to today's decision: ¨While we wish the permitting of this project did not take as long as it did, we are glad to see light at the end of the permitting tunnel and that First Wind will be able to start construction this spring.¨
November 24, 2008 WoWE Sponsors Conference Participants (pdf 71 kb)
The Vermont chapter of Women of Wind Energy (WoWE), a group that supports the advancement of women in the wind energy industry, sponsored five young women to attend the Vermont Renewable Energy Conference held October 14 and 15 at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center.
November 19, 2008 American Wind Wildlife Institute Launched (pdf 127 kb)
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, 20 of the nation’s top science-based conservation and environmental groups and wind energy companies have created a national institute to facilitate timely and responsible development of wind energy while protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat.
November 1, 2008 CEDF Strategic Plan (pdf 127 kb)
The flexible framework for the Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF), including how the funds will be managed and how they will be distributed to meet the goals of the Fund. Published May 2007.
October 30, 2008 CEDF Annual Plan FY2009 (pdf 127 kb)
Financing initiatives and programs that the CEDF will pursue in 2009, establishing target dollar allocations for the initiatives. Published August 2008.
October 17, 2008 Knight & Carver Reaches Agreement with Northern Power (pdf 49 kb)
National City, Calif.-based Knight & Carver Wind Group has reached agreement with REV member Northern Power to build several preliminary sets of 10-meter wind blades for community-scale wind power generation.
October 6, 2008 GMP Going Solar (pdf 55 kb)
REV member Green Mountain Power has submitted its application to build a "58-kilowatt solar collector that will provide about two-thirds of the energy for the company's new maintenance and office building on Westminster Heights Road."
October 2, 2008 Congress Extends EE Tax Incentives (pdf 27 kb)
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to extend many of the Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives that were first enacted in 2005 but expired at the end of 2007 or were scheduled to expire at the end of 2008.
September 10, 2008 Local Energy Alternatives Festival in Bradford (pdf 79 kb)
The Bradford Conservation Commission is hosting a one-day event to help Vermonters reduce fossil fuel consumption and increase consumption of locally made food and products. With workshops, solar tours, an animated film, farmers' market and local vendors, the event is designed for families who want to lower heating bills and raise contribute to local sustainability. 8:30 to 4:30, Bradford Academy, rain or shine.
August 24, 2008 Center for Sustainable Practices | Summer Update (pdf 54 kb)
Newsletter from Vermont Technical College's Center for Sustainable Practices details the center's work in 2008 providing energy conservation, renewable energy training courses, and educational outreach.
August 19, 2008 CEDF Funding | August 2008 (pdf 52 kb)
August 2008 update on CEDF funds includes grants for grid-connected renewable energy and combined heat and power technologies; Municipal Technical Assistance grants; and low-interest loans.
August 18, 2008 Northern Power Sale Complete (pdf 57 kb)
Distributed Energy Systems has announced that on Friday, August 15, it completed the sale of the assets of its Vermont-based wind turbine division to CB Wind, a newly formed private company focused solely on wind energy. In connection with the closing, CB Wind has changed its corporate name and will continue to operate under the name Northern Power Systems, Inc.
August 11, 2008 Button-Up Vermont Campaign (pdf 113 kb)
Central VT Community Action has launched a statewide campaign to present home energy-savings workshops in 100 Vermont towns between September and December 2008.
August 4, 2008 Draker Secures Capital and Partners (pdf 77 kb)
REV member Draker Laboratories has announced strategic alliances with Campbell Scientific and the Nathaniel Group, as well as investments from FreshTracks Capital II L.P and the CEDF. "Draker is now on track to complete the development of a next-generation renewable energy monitoring product to be unveiled at the Solar Power 2008 conference in San Diego, CA this fall."
May 7, 2008 State Awards CEDF Grants (pdf 98 kb)
The Vermont Department of Public Service (DPS) will award $2.28 million from the Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) for projects throughout the state.
May 2, 2008 Blittersdorf Elected to SWCC Board (pdf 56 kb)
David Blittersdorf, president and CEO of Earth Turbines, Inc., has been elected to the board of directors of the North American Small Wind Certification Corporation.
April 11, 2008 VEIC Announces Executive Director (pdf 38 kb)
REV member Vermont Energy Investment Corporation announces Scott Johnstone as its new executive director beginning June 2008.
March 25, 2008 Distributed Energy Systems Books Turbine Orders with Canadian Power Company (pdf 47 kb)
DESC announces an order for three Northwind 100 wind turbines from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, the fourth largest utility company in Canada.
January 8, 2008 Distributed Energy Systems Books Orders for 7 Advanced Wind Turbines (pdf 28 kb)
DESC announces an order from the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative for four 100kw wind systems, and an order for three turbines from NY-based Sustainable Energy Developments.
December 17, 2007 REV and VBA Merge Associations (pdf 118 kb)
The Board of Directors of Renewable Energy Vermont and the Vermont Biofuels Association announced today that the two trade associations will merge into one association capable of representing all renewable energy sectors in the state.
December 6, 2007 groSolar Raises $10 Million in Growth Equity Financing (pdf 27 kb)
New Series B financing enables groSolar to continue rapid expansion.
May 24, 2007 REV and NRG Systems Team Up to Promote Renewable Energy Art Exhibit (pdf 56 kb)
The nonprofit trade organization Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) and NRG Systems have teamed up to promote a “Renewables Are Beautiful”-themed art exhibit as part of the Vermont Arts Council’s Palettes of Vermont, a statewide community arts project.
February 19, 2007 Smuggler's Notch and NativeEnergy Announce SkiCool Program (pdf 123 kb)
A new SkiCool partnership between NativeEnergy and Smuggler's Notch enables skiers to offset the global-warming impact of their share of energy used for lifts, snowmaking, grooming and travel to the ski area.
October 20, 2006 Vermont Renewable Energy Conference Sees Successful Growth (pdf 127 kb)
Renewable Energy Vermont's 5th Annual Conference on October 19 held at the Wyndham Hotel in Burlington grew its attendance by 25 percent with 380 attendees.
October 16, 2006 Leading Wind Energy Developer Joins Forces with Prominent Vermont Environmental Consulting Firm, Begins Site Evaluation Process (pdf 33 kb)
Saying New England holds tremendous opportunity for wind energy development, Connecticut-based Noble Environmental Power today announced that it is teaming up with Vermont-based Vermont Environmental Research Associates (VERA) to explore potential windpark locations throughout the region.
April 27, 2006 Green Mountain Power Provides Matching Funds to Study Low-Impact Micro-Hydro Generation (pdf 42 kb)
Green Mountain Power today announced that it is providing $15,000 in matching funds to the City of Barre to study the feasibility of generating electricity from micro-hydro sources, including at the municipal water system.
March 6, 2006 Leading-Edge Renewable Energy Developers Form Unique Strategic Alliance (pdf 65 kb)
Tamarack Energy, Inc., of Boston and Solar Works Inc. of Montpelier announced today that they have entered into a long-term strategic alliance to jointly develop renewable energy projects. The alliance combines Tamarack Energy’s development and financing capabilities with the technical expertise of Solar Works to serve customers nationwide.
February 2, 2006 Poll: Vermonters Give Overwhelming Approval to Wind Energy (pdf 109 kb)
Eight out of every ten Vermonters (81%) surveyed in a recent statewide poll would consider wind turbines on Vermont mountain ridges beautiful or acceptable.
October 20, 2005 When It Comes to Wind Power Size Matters (pdf 66 kb)
Wind energy will be an essential part of Vermont’s energy supply according to a new grassroots organization here in the state. Clean Power Vermont (CPVT) launched their organization today highlighting the need for cleaner, more affordable energy options.
October 20, 2005 'Windfarm, Vermont' Commissioned by NRG Systems (pdf 26 kb)
Renowned Vermont printmaker Sabra Field revealed her latest, and last, commissioned artwork, Windfarm, Vermont, at the Blue Heron Gallery in South Burlington, Vermont, on October 19. The 19" by 13" IRIS print depicts six graceful wind turbines atop a Vermont mountain ridge, ablaze with fall color.
October 12, 2005 CVPS Sells Interest in Catamount Energy (pdf 75 kb)
Central Vermont Public Service, Vermont’s largest electric utility, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Catamount Resources Corporation, has agreed to sell a controlling interest in its wind-energy business to Diamond Castle, a New York-based private equity investment firm.
December 21, 2004 NRG Facility Wins State's Highest Architectural Award (pdf 44 kb)
NRG Systems, Inc., a global leader in the wind energy industry, has opened its new manufacturing facility in Vermont and received the state’s highest architectural award.
October 20, 2004
NRG Holds Grand Opening for New Building (pdf 70 kb)
NRG Systems, Inc., manufacturer of wind assessment systems for the global wind energy industry, celebrated the grand opening of its new 46,000 square foot manufacturing facility and office building with an open house on October 13. The $8 million building, located in Vermont, is powered primarily by renewable energy and features the latest in energy efficiency technology and green building design.
October 4, 2004 Vermont Renewable Energy Industry Calls For Action (pdf 68 kb)
Pointing to a recent announcement by a major Spanish wind turbine manufacturer that it intends to establish an advanced-technology plant in Pennsylvania, Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) today called on Vermont's political leaders to encourage appropriately sited utility-scale wind projects in the state.
April 1, 2004 Vermonters Voice Support for Renewables (pdf 80 kb)
In a statewide poll conducted in March 2004, 400 Vermonters were asked to choose one energy source they would like to see more of in Vermont's future. An overwhelming majority chose renewables.
October 21, 2003 Survey of Northeast Kingdom Visitors Reveals Tourism Won't Be Hurt By Windfarm (pdf 77 kb)
According to a new survey conducted by the Institute for Integrated Rural Tourism, 95 percent of visitors to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom would not be deterred from further visits by the existence of a proposed four-turbine windfarm.
October 15, 2003 REV 2008 Annual Conference & Trade Show (pdf 75 kb)
Energy and affordability are on the minds of many Vermonters this year. Renewable Energy Vermont’s 7th Annual Conference and Trade Show, entitled “A Bright Future for Vermont's Renewables,” will feature presentations and discussion on how Vermont can create a more sustainable and vibrant economy using renewable energy sources.
October 7, 2003 East Haven Survey Shows Local Support For Demonstration Project (pdf 72 kb)
A survey of property owners by the Town of East Haven has found overwhelming support for the four-turbine East Mountain Demonstration Project.
September 16, 2003 Plans For East Haven Demonstration Project Announced (pdf 75 kb)
East Haven Windfarm formally announced plans today to construct four wind turbines at the summit of East Mountain in the Northeast Kingdom.