Charlotte, VT
Working to improve the way we produce and use energy in Charlotte since 2010.
Energy Modernization Project FAQ
What is the Charlotte Energy Modernization project? This is a significant town initiative aimed at transforming how municipal energy is produced and used in Charlotte. It is presented as a fiscally responsible and environmentally friendly approach to lower the Town's energy costs and reduce its carbon footprint. The project involves evaluating specific town properties for potential energy upgrades and renewable energy installations.
What are the main goals of this project? The project has several key objectives: •Reduce Costs: Stabilize and lower the cost of energy for the Town, source more energy locally, use savings to upgrade equipment, and take advantage of current incentives. •Transition to Clean Energy: Improve air quality in town buildings and increase energy efficiency through proven technologies. The project also aims to help Charlotte lead Vermont and encourage other towns to follow in transitioning to clean energy. •Environmental Stewardship: Align with the Charlotte Town Plan's vision and goals for minimizing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to Vermont's goal of meeting 90% of energy needs from renewable sources by 2050.
Why is the Town pursuing this project now? Several factors contribute to the timing: •Many Town facilities have aging heating and cooling equipment. •The Town's current energy infrastructure is heavily dependent on oil for heating. •Fossil fuel and electricity costs are volatile, imported, and expected to rise, subject to state and federal policy decisions. •The environmental impact of oil usage, particularly regarding pollution and climate change, is a concern. •Acting now allows the Town to take advantage of current incentives and regulations, which have been impacted by recent legislation in June 2024 that changed the economics of solar. Existing PUC rate changes were grandfathered until December 2025 (impacting energy exchange rates), federal incentives (like the 30% on equipment purchases) are available but potentially targeted for elimination, and Virtual Net Metering was grandfathered until January. •Meeting the energy goals outlined in the Town Plan requires more immediate action. •There is a sense of urgency related to environmental concerns, such as the stressed condition of Lake Champlain. Delaying action is expected to be more costly.
What are the potential financial benefits for the Town and taxpayers? The project aims to stabilize and lower the cost of energy to the Town, reducing reliance on volatile imported fuels. Savings could be used to upgrade aging equipment. The Town can leverage existing incentives, such as the Year 1 Direct Pay Rebate, and benefit from grandfathered rates under current laws and regulations. Projections indicate the potential for substantial taxpayer savings over the long term, making the project "Taxpayer Positive". Modeled scenarios show significant potential savings over 25 years compared to the status quo, for example, over $702K with a Green Loan for combined solar and HVAC savings. Taking action now is estimated to save at least $67K compared to a future with less favorable incentives and tariffs.
What are the expected environmental benefits? By transitioning Town buildings away from fossil fuels, the project intends to improve indoor air quality and significantly reduce Charlotte's greenhouse gas emissions. The projected reduction in carbon dioxide is visualized as the equivalent of removing more than 30M CO2 balloons from over Charlotte. This initiative supports Vermont's goals to meet 90% of energy needs from renewable sources by 2050 and aligns with the Charlotte Town Plan's commitment to environmental stewardship. Increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy use also contributes to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Which Town properties are being considered for energy upgrades or installations? Key Town facilities are under evaluation for potential energy upgrades and renewable energy installations [Newspaper articles]. Locations mentioned include the Town Hall, Senior Center, Fire & Rescue, and Central School [Newspaper articles, 351]. Thompson's Point Wastewater is also identified as an optional location that could offset water treatment power needs and potentially provide extra power, though it is not currently in the main scope. Certificates of Public Good (CPGs) were filed for five out of seven Town properties with grid access.
Have final decisions been made about specific locations or technologies? No final decisions have been made regarding specific sites or technologies however the first choice would be to use CVFRS to host an array because it meets the adjacency requirement for net metering. All locations identified as potentially workable. Not all locations will be necessary. Any installations would need to comply with specific use standards outlined in the Charlotte Land Use Regulations.
How does the project address concerns about aesthetics and the Town's character? The project is committed to an "Aesthetically Balanced" approach. The Charlotte Town Plan contains policies to protect scenic views, vistas, and Areas of High Public Value (AHPV) from undue adverse visual impacts of development, including energy generation facilities. These AHPVs include important natural, cultural, and historical features. Visual impact is a key consideration during the siting and design process. The goal is to avoid or minimize negative effects on scenic resources and AHPVs. Potential mitigation strategies, such as screening, buffer areas, and landscaping, may be required. The project has evaluating different aesthetic options for solar installations like Tracking Array, Ground Mount, and Roof Mount . Town Plan policies also aim to avoid siting new energy development on prime agricultural soils and recognized view corridors. Community input is encouraged to help shape these decisions. The Town may also explore adopting a solar screening bylaw.
How does this project relate to the Charlotte Town Plan and state energy policy? The project directly aligns with the vision and goals of the Charlotte Town Plan, particularly its emphasis on minimizing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions through efficiency and renewable energy through the 2020 VT Global Warming Solutions Act . The Town Plan's Energy section (Chapter 1.12) provides the policy framework. The initiative supports Vermont's overall energy goals, including the target of meeting 90% of energy needs from renewable sources by 2050. The project is designed to leverage state regulations, such as Act 174, which allows municipalities with energy plans meeting specific standards to receive "substantial deference" from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) in siting decisions. The project aims to meet the renewable energy generation targets established for Charlotte by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. The PUC is the body that regulates the siting of electric infrastructure in Vermont. Recent state legislation (Act 179 of 2024) has made changes to net metering and renewable energy standards, impacting things like where systems can be sited relative to their energy use and adjusting renewable energy requirements for utilities. The project considers these regulatory factors, noting, for example, that recent legislation in June 2024 changed the economics of solar.
Are there resources for residents who want to make energy upgrades to their own homes? Yes, resources are available to help residents with their own energy efficiency and renewable energy projects: •Efficiency Vermont offers objective advice, technical services, rebates, and financing options for home energy improvements. •The Weatherization Assistance Program can provide significant financial support, up to $24,500 back on projects for eligible Vermonters. •Solar For All Vermont is a program receiving federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act to help low-income and disadvantaged Vermonters access solar power through residential installations, community solar, and affordable housing projects. Benefits are expected to become available in 2025. •Information on other Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and rebates is available, with rebates expected in early 2025. •Utilities like Green Mountain Power and Burlington Electric Department offer various rebates and programs. •Information on heating options like Cold Climate Ductless Mini-Splits and heat pumps is available, including through utilities like Green Mountain Power. •Resources for advanced wood heating and wood stove change-out programs are available. •Information and opportunities to try electric vehicles are available through programs like Drive Electric Vermont.
How can residents learn more or provide input on the project? Community input is valued and encouraged. The project involves a "Considered Approach" and no final decisions will be made without Selectboard review. Public meetings, many of which have already taken place, and feedback mechanisms are important channels for residents to learn more and provide their input . The Charlotte Energy Committee is involved in educating citizens on energy matters and organizing public information sessions. The development of the Charlotte Town Plan historically involved significant public participation. State energy planning processes also include opportunities for public comment.
Frequently Fielded Objections Solar doesn't work when the sun isn't shining. - Reliability / Intermittency True, solar is intermittent-but it's part of a broader energy mix. Grid-scale storage, demand response, and diversified sources handle this. Solar often aligns with peak demand, reducing blackouts. Solar is too expensive and needs subsidies to survive.- Economic Viability Solar costs have dropped over 90% since 2010. It's now the cheapest new energy source in most regions. Fossil fuels still receive far more subsidies. Solar panels take more energy to make than they produce.- Energy Payback Myth Modern panels repay their energy input in 1-2 years and last 25-40 years. Net energy gain over their life is 10-30x. Manufacturing is increasingly low-carbon. Solar can't power our whole economy. - Strawman Argument No one credible claims solar alone will. It's a key part of a clean mix including wind, hydro, storage, and efficiency. However, for arguments sake, less than 1% of US land could meet total electricity needs with solar. Solar panels are toxic and can't be recycled.- Environmental Misinformation Most panels are silicon-based and non-toxic. Recycling can recover 80-95% of materials. Thin-film types are regulated, and recycling tech is improving fast. Fossil fuels are more reliable and always available. - Nostalgic Fallacy Fossil plants fail too-see Texas 2021. Clean energy + storage improves resilience. Solar is more distributed, making grids less vulnerable. Climate change is a hoax, so why bother with solar? - Climate Denial Even without climate concerns, solar lowers bills, creates jobs, improves air quality, and strengthens energy.