|
Total Energy News | May 2024
|
|
|
Climate change may cost $38 trillion a year by 2049
The likely economic damages of climate change during the next quarter century outweigh by six times the costs of mitigating global warming.
Axios
Read More
|
|
|
Transmission reform could speed US energy transition
FERC released a long-awaited rule meant to fix the sluggish power line buildout. Advocates say it’s a win for clean energy, consumers — and grid reliability.
Canary Media
Read More
|
|
|
How to talk about climate change and the problem with doomerism
In a study of climate change messaging, negativity backfired, making people significantly less likely to take action.
resilience
Read More
|
|
|
Data Download
Vermont’s Changing Heating Sector
|
|
|
Between 2018 and 2023, fossil heating fuel sales decreased by about 12%. Much of this decline was driven by a 22% reduction in fuel oil sales, while propane sales actually grew by over 4%. In a new research paper titled “Analyzing changes in fossil heating fuel use in Vermont, 2018-2023,” we explore several key factors that help to explain these trends. We find that the most significant factor in the decline in fossil heating fuel sales is warmer winter weather, resulting in an 8% decrease in heating degree days between 2018-2023 (2023 was a particularly warm year).
However, warmer winter temperatures alone don’t explain all of the reduction in fossil heating fuel sales. Our analysis suggests that we are also beginning to see declines in fossil fuel use as a result of electrification and pollution reduction measures being adopted by Vermont households and businesses, including installation of cold-climate heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, home weatherization, and improved equipment efficiency. Despite this progress, however, Vermont still has significant work to do to ensure that the state meets its emissions reduction obligations.
You can read the full research paper on the EAN website.
|
|
|
Member Profile
Efficiency Vermont / Rewiring America Tool
|
|
|
Efficiency Vermont has recently added a new incentive calculator to their website. The tool, built by Rewiring America, gives households a personalized list of the many federal, state, and utility incentives they can use for energy efficiency and electrification projects. Users input details like their household income and zip code and are served a menu of incentives, tailored to their specific situation. The calculator was launched at the Statehouse on Earth Day.
You can find the Incentive Calculator here.
|
|
|
EAN 2024 Summit | Save The Date
EAN’s 2024 Summit will be September 18th at Bolton Valley Resort, with a second gathering being planned for December 3rd in Montpelier. More information is coming soon!
|
|
|
Leveraging Change Speaker Series | Vermont’s Changing Heating Sector
Join fellow EAN members and public sector partners for a conversation about EAN’s latest research paper, which explores how and why Vermont’s thermal sector is changing.
Wednesday, June 5 at 5 p.m. | Cafe Noa in Montpelier
Learn more and register
|
|
|
VELCO | Long-Range Transmission Plan – Public Meeting
VELCO’s 2024 Vermont Long-Range Transmission Plan is now available for public review, and their final public meeting is scheduled for May 15 from 5-7 p.m. in St. Albans or online.
Learn more and register
|
|
|
VECAN Spring Summit
VECAN brings together members of energy committees who are working to advance clean energy and climate action in their communities around Vermont and re-center their collective focus in a moment when these issues are center stage for federal and state legislative progress and funding opportunities. Please join them on June 1st to reconnect, collaborate and share conversation as they work to advance just and bold climate action!
Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Vermont Law and Graduate School
Learn more and register
|
|
|
VT Department of Public Service | Home Energy Rebate Meeting
The Vermont PSD is holding a virtual public meeting to discuss its upcoming application to the Department of Energy under the Home Energy Rebate program.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Learn more and register
|
|
|
VEEP Adult Programming
Registration is open for Vermont Energy Education Program’s Summer Institute for teachers: Beyond the Standards – Solutions for Climate Change!
June 24-28, 2024 in Albany, NH
Learn more
|
|
|
EAN Network Action Teams
EAN Network Action Teams meet regularly. If you are interested in joining meetings of the Weatherization at Scale Coalition, the Climate Workforce Coalition, or other teams, or if you want to learn more about their work, contact Cara: cara@eanvt.org
Learn more
|
|
|
Vermont Climate Council Meetings
All Vermont Climate Council meetings and subcommittee meetings are open to the public, with all details on the Climate Council website.
|
|
The Vermont Total Energy Ticker
|
|
|
5 ways renters can lower energy costs and carbon emissions
Rentals account for about a quarter of VT housing units and renters commonly pay their own energy bills. This article shares tips for landlords and renters to save energy costs and reduce emissions.
Vermont Public
Read more
|
|
|
3 of the session’s largest climate bills face opposition from Scott administration
The bills are S.213 – permitting for building in river corridors, S.259 – requiring big oil companies to pay for damages from climate change, and H.289 – updating the RES.
VT Digger
Read more
|
|
|
Microtransit programs fill gaps where regular bus service won’t go
Vermont has been piloting microtransit services to help address mobility needs that go beyond fixed bus routes. This article shares information and stories from those pilots.
Vermont Public
Read More
|
|
Have an upcoming event or news story to share? Let us know.
|
|
|
|
|
