BRATTLEBORO — Seven Windham County towns are participating in a yearlong “2013 Vermont Home Energy Challenge” thrown down by Burlington-based Efficiency Vermont in partnership with the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network, part of an effort to help property owners save money and protect the environment.
Under the Challenge, 62 towns across the state have set a target of weatherizing 3 percent of the homes and apartments in their communities, an effort that could net more than 2,400 home comprehensive energy efficiency projects and yield more than $2 million in annual energy savings.
Brattleboro, Rockingham, Putney, Guilford, Halifax, Townshend, and Windham are aiming to weatherize at least 332 homes and apartments in 2013, according to challenge organizers.
Jim Merriam, director of Efficiency Vermont, says the Home Energy Challenge is designed to build on the focus and enthusiasm of community groups that are engaging with their friends and neighbors around energy issues every day.
“Over the course of 2013—and beyond—we will continue to seek innovative ways to support these efforts, and we are hoping that the Challenge will help inspire even more action to increase energy efficiency at the local level,” he said.
Homeowners in participating towns can sign up for a free energy “visit” during 2013. Trained volunteers will visit homes to review home heating usage, identify energy-saving opportunities, and help homeowners find resources to reduce energy bills.
Several local contractors are offering formal energy audits for $250, with the money credited to the homeowner or landlord if they move forward with at least $2,000 worth of additional work such as insulating and air sealing, according to Merriam.
Volunteers are needed to perform energy visits and help with other tasks. A required volunteer training is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Brattleboro Union High School multipurpose Room, 131 Fairground Rd.
According to Paul Cameron, director of Brattleboro Climate Protection and regional coordinator for the Challenge, this effort weighs in as the equivalent of saving enough energy to heat 400 Vermont homes for an entire year.
It also could net a 5,000 ton reduction in CO2 emissions, the equivalent of taking 900 cars off the road.
“The average Vermont homeowner can cut their energy bills by 20 to 30 percent through a home energy project. This is a great opportunity to save money and reduce carbon pollution and our dependence on foreign oil, while creating jobs and supporting our local economy,” Cameron said.
At the end of 2013, towns, regions, and local partners will be recognized for the effectiveness of their efforts to encourage participation in their communities, he said.
Financial incentives are available from Efficiency Vermont and the federal government for homeowners looking to weatherize their homes. The local Home Energy Challenge offers residents additional incentives.
To sign up for a free energy visit or to volunteer for the Home Energy Challenge, call Paul Cameron at 802-251-8135 or write pcameron@brattleboro.org. For information on home energy projects, including incentives, contact Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990.