Why Charlotte? Why Now?

Town Energy Modernization Project

As stated by the Town Plan, the Charlotte Energy & Climate Action Committee (CECAC) has proposed a project to transition town buildings from fossil fuels to clean sources while striking a balance between cost, financial benefit, environmental benefit, regulatory limitations, and aesthetic impact. The project was approved by the Selectboard unanimously on 12/9/2025 and implementation will begin in Spring '26 and be completed by summer.

We set up an automated Q&A that is pretty good at answering most questions about the proposed project. It's not perfect but answers most questions accurately.

Project Q&A

Project Press

Request For Bids

Fiscally Responsible

With incentives and specific loan terms, it is possible to implement a solution that is projected to be very close to taxpayer neutral during the term of the loan yet gain long term benefit of fixing the town energy costs for the next 25 years. Inclusive in this proposal is new and efficient Heating and Cooling equipment to replace or extend the life of existing aging systems.

Control Our Future

By switching our source to Town owned solar, we reduce and fix the cost per unit of energy over the lifetime of the array compared to Green Mountain Power. The additional capacity generated can be used to switch from fossil fuel-based systems to high efficiency electric heating and air-conditioning eliminating more than 3 million pounds of carbon over 25 years.

Keep Our Spend Local

It is estimated that 2/3rds of each energy dollar spent on fuel in Charlotte goes to entities outside of Vermont and much of it outside the country. Nearly all of that would be brought back into our local and state economies, and the savings go directly to taxpaying residents.

Project Scope & Detail

After reviewing current regulations, incentives, the 2024 VT Act 179, and town plan energy, aesthetic, and fiscal goals, the Town engaged a consultant using a grant awarded to CECAC to evaluate options for balancing these tradeoffs. After thorough analysis, the resulting proposal was to increase the solar powered footprint by 80KW, by placing arrays on the CVFRS roof using the certificate of public good (CPG's) filings obtained by the proactive energy committee to take advantage of soon to expire net-metering rules and rates. While the town already produces solar on the town garage, it requires about 15 KW more to meet the existing electric draw. The complementary component of the proposed modernization is to upgrade aging furnaces and air conditioners to dual purpose energy efficient cold weather heat pumps. This equipment upgrade will require the remaining 65KW of low-cost solar electric energy, however fuel needs would be near zero and for emergency only.

The draft proposal business case, when implemented, is projected to save the town approximately $700K and eliminate 3.12 million lbs. of CO2 over 25 years assuming all incentives can be exercised, a 10yr green municipal loan is secured at 2.25%, and the project implemented within the time permitted by Federal Tax Incentives. When considering the cashflow and timing of incentive rebates, in conjunction with the energy savings each year, this project is projected run approximately taxpayer neutral when averaged over the term of the 10 year financing. In simple terms, the town will freeze the price of electricity for 25 years, obtain new HVAC equipment, reduce carbon, meet state emission goals for town buildings, and have negligible short-term impact to taxpayers, and significant long-term savings.