Total Energy News | January 2026 | |
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The EPA is changing how it considers the costs and benefits of air pollution rules
The EPA will no longer consider the economic cost of harm to human health from fine particles and ozone, two air pollutants that are known to affect human health.
Vermont Public
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This tech could keep EVs from stressing the grid — and save everyone money
Instead of lots of EVs juicing up their huge batteries all at once, “active managed charging” distributes the load throughout the night, helping stabilize the grid.
Grist
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Is the US headed toward an electricity crisis of its own making?
Trump administration policies and AI needs are fueling a growing mismatch between energy supply and demand. That’s a huge problem, but there may be a way out.
Canary Media
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Profile | Kevin Chu
New EAN Advisory Board Member
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Please join us in welcoming Kevin Chu, who was elected to the EAN Advisory Board in December.
Kevin Chu grew up in Vermont and wants to grow old here too. He is the son of immigrants. A graduate of Middlebury College, he studied the environment and education while also competing in track and field. Prior to joining the Vermont Futures Project, Kevin worked at the University of Vermont, where he led efforts in recruiting for diversity, academic advising, communications, community engagement and economic development, and strategic planning. He is now the Executive Director of the Vermont Futures Project, a nonpartisan organization answering the mission question: “How can we use data to support the evolution of Vermont’s economy towards a thriving future with opportunity for all?” This work has taken Kevin all over the state to develop an Economic Action Plan, helping to put Vermont on a path towards affordability and abundance.
You can read more about Kevin and the rest of our Board Advisors and Board of Directors on the EAN website.
| | | Data Download | Lifetime return on investment from Vermont energy efficiency programs | | |
In all, $964 million in efficiency investments by Efficiency Vermont, Burlington Electric Department, and VGS resulted in total savings of $3.4 billion for Vermonters between 2000–2021. These investments are also estimated to avoid $2.9 billion in societal costs.
The historical gains in electric efficiency have also contributed to a reduction in Vermont’s electricity demand, helping Vermont to avoid costs associated with transmission upgrades while also creating headroom for additional electricity use.
This graph and text come from page 31 of the EAN 2025 Annual Progress Report for Vermont on Energy, Affordability, and Emissions.
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What do we know about heat pump installation and use in Vermont and the region? | EAN Webinar
We’ll hear from Efficiency Vermont, the Public Service Department, and Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP). This is the first of two webinars for network members and partners who are interested in heat pump optimization and communication.
February 13, 2026 at 2pm
Learn more and register
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2026 Climate & Clean Energy Legislative Deep Dive | VECAN webinar
VECAN presents a deeper dive into “what the Vermont Legislature is considering this session related to ongoing further progress to deploy renewable resources, reduce energy bills, hold polluters accountable for the damages their products have caused, and do our part to combat the increasingly costly climate crisis.”
Jan 28, 2026
Learn more and register
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Innovation in Workforce Development Award | Efficiency Vermont
Efficiency Vermont will be presenting a new award at their Better Buildings By Design Conference. The Innovation in Workforce Development Award is intended to recognize an organization or employer that demonstrates progress in broadening who can enter, persist, and advance in the clean energy workforce, through intentional program design, supportive practices, and strong partner engagement.
Applications due January 30, 2026
Contact Will Schwartz for details (wschwartz@veic.org)
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Climate Outdoors Workforce Initiative Survey | VOBA
Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) is inviting you to support your Vermont outdoor community by completing a 10-minute survey. Your workforce insights and training ideas will guide future investments in professional development and career resources to help the state and businesses prepare for and respond to changing climate conditions.
Complete the survey to be entered to win a $150 gift certificate to a VOBA-member business.
Due January 30th
Learn more and Take the Survey
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VEEP GENERATE! Solutions for Curriculum, Climate, & Community
VEEP’s 2026 summer institute for teachers is currently open for registration. At this institute teachers will plan a curriculum that cultivates hope and brings students meaningful learning opportunities to tackle relevant climate solutions for their community. Open to all educators, any grade, any subject. Full scholarships available to VT and NH teachers.
June 22-26, 2026
Learn more and register
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EAN Network Action Teams
EAN Network Action Teams meet regularly. If you are interested in joining meetings of any EAN Network Action Teams or Coalitions, contact Cara cara@eanvt.org.
Learn more
| | The Vermont Total Energy Ticker | |
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Vermont’s climate superfund law pushes forward
With lawsuits overshadowing Vermont’s first-of-its-kind climate legislation, new state leaders have begun trying to decipher the costs of a warming planet.
VT Digger
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Funding shortfall pushes Vermont’s transportation system to ‘a breaking point’
Analysts for the Legislature say state transportation revenues are about $33 million short of what Vermont would need to maximize its federal drawdown in the next fiscal year.
Vermont Public
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EAN Annual Progress Report introduced on BED podcast
Burlington’s Director of Sustainability Jennifer Green interviews EAN’s Cara Robechek about the EAN Annual Progress Report for Vermont on Energy, Affordability, and Emissions.
Net Zero Energy Podcast
Listen here
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