Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network

The Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network — VECAN — is a collaborative of statewide nonprofit and membership-based organizations, including VNRC, who's goal is to start and strengthen town energy committees.

A Quick Summary of Vermont’s Weatherization Program

Vermont has one of the best weatherization programs in the country, and over the years, our weatherization program has improved thousands of homes. We're proud that our state has chosen to fund this critical aid for low-income households - it serves our shared goals of keeping Vermont communities and homes livable, and reducing our collective energy use. Despite all of these efforts, there are thousands of Vermonters who remain cold all winter and hundreds of thousands of homeowners that could save serious money from energy efficiency investments.

The State Energy Plan: An Energy Committee Leader's Perspective

As co-leader of an active energy committee, HEART of Hardwick, I know that the development of a strong state energy plan is essential. We follow state policy closely and proceed with projects on the ground based on those policies. Energy Committees need the back up of that plan in working with their local governments. In Hardwick, we are working on LED Street lighting conversion, and patiently await the passage of H155, PACE. (property assessed clean energy). Our town has been ready to move ahead since PACE was first proposed.

Vermonters Gather to Shape State’s Energy Future

On December 4, 2010 energy leaders from across the state will gather for the third annual Community Energy and Climate Action Conference in Fairlee. If you want to help shape Vermont’s energy future, in your community or beyond, be sure you don’t miss this great event. Anyone interested in Vermont’s energy future is welcome to attend.

VECAN Announces Small Grant Program

At the third annual 'Community Energy and Climate Action Conference,' the Vermont Energy Climate Action Network announced a new grant program to support Vermont energy committees and groups working on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in their communities. The goals of Building the Power of Vermont Communities grant program are to help communities save energy, transition to renewables and decrease their community’s contribution to climate change.

Op-Ed: A Perfect Storm for Clean Energy Innovation

How are we going to meet our energy needs, both now and far into the future? Nations, communities and individuals are pondering this question with an increasing sense of urgency. Fortunately a perfect storm is brewing across Vermont ― one that holds promise of a new, green, clean and locally-based renewable energy future for the Green Mountain State. Vermont’s perfect storm has three basic aspects...

'Atlas' Maps Vermont's Renewable Energy Opportunities

On Earth Day 2010, the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund released its eagerly anticipated renewable energy mapping tool - Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont. This GIS-based web application uses state-of-the-art technology to identify, analyze and visualize existing and promising locations for renewable energy. The Atlas is an accessible tool for any interested Vermonter seeking more information about potential resources out their back door. The VSJF specifically also targeted the tool to serve as a resource for Vermont's growing network of community energy committees.

Small Town Energy Committees Prove Powerful

In an August 2009 article for the 'Times Argus/Rutland Herald' VNRC's Johanna Miller highlights what she terms "a powerful grassroots response forming throughout Vermont to cut energy costs, foster more renewable energy generation and lessen the state's contribution to global warming." Read how the network of town energy committees is growing across Vermont, what efforts they are undertaking and why it matters.

Opinion: The Climate Change Conundrum and the Power of Vermonters

In the November 1, 2009 Sunday edition of the Burlington Free Press VNRC's Energy Program Co-Director Johanna Miller penned an 'I Believe' piece that offers a perspective on the power of people to affect change. Miller points to the growing number of town energy committees - 90 at the time of publishing - as a powerful example of what's possible when people lead.

Town Energy and Climate Action Guide

The Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network's "Town Energy and Climate Action Guide" offers an important resource to communities interested in establishing, or currently working on, town energy committees.