Energy Committee Annual Report The Selectboard established the Brattleboro Energy Committee in 2009, expanded its membership to 10 in 2012, and to 11 in Mission Statement: The mission of the Brattleboro Energy Committee is to assist Brattleboro residents, businesses and Town government in reducing energy consumption and costs through conservation, increased energy efficiency and conversion to renewable energy sources.

Town Energy and Climate Goals (from 2013 Town Plan) n Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Brattleboro to 30% below 2010 levels by 2030 (76,595 ton reduction). n Reduce emissions from municipal and school district buildings and operations 20% below 2010 levels by 2030 (1,079 ton reduction). n Increase the percentage of weatherized homes and apartments to 50% of all units by 2030 (2,960 units weatherized).

Vermont Energy and Climate Goals ( from the draft 2015 Comprehensive Energy Plan) n Reduce total energy consumption per capita by 15% by 2025, and by more than one third by n Meet 25% of the remaining energy need from renewable sources by 2025, 40% by 2035, and 90% by n Three end-use sector goals for 2025: 10% renewable transportation; 30% renewable buildings; and 67% renewable electric power.

Town Energy Cost Trends n Streetlight costs down 84% since Annual savings: $106,970. n Transportation Center costs down 15% since Annual savings: $5,430. n Wastewater Treatment Plant costs up 6% since Annual cost increase: $14,542. n Town Fleet costs up 34% since Annual cost increase: $45,777.

Current Projects – Energy Efficiency Energy audits are being conducted in all Town buildings, using the Town’s Energy Efficiency Fund. The result will include a detailed report and list of prioritized recommendations. Six buildings are being evaluated for possible conversion to wood heat through the Windham Wood Heat Initiative.

Current Projects - Renewables The Town is receiving an annual savings of $17,000 from the purchase of net-metering credits from a solar project in Westminster, VT. The Energy Committee organized a Solar Summer Campaign from May 1 - September 30, 2015, resulting in ten new contracts totaling 43 kW for Brattleboro residents. Brattleboro now has 72 solar installations totaling 3,915 kW, a 42% increase in the past year.

Planned Projects n The Energy Committee is assisting the Town with the installation of an electric vehicle charging station, including a fast charger, in the High/Grove parking lot, using grant funding from Green Mountain Power. n The committee will organize a campaign in 2016 to support residents in reducing fossil- fuel use in homes through investments in energy efficiency and/or renewables.

Recommendations n Continue developing and implementing a life-cycle cost policy for Town purchases. n Implement recommended energy conservation measures from energy audits in Town buildings. n Purchase additional net-metering credits from the Windham Solid Waste Management District solar project. Estimated annual savings: $50,000. n Investigate converting the methane generator at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to a net-metered system.

Thank You!