Energy

Vital Communities is working toward a future where 100% of the energy we need is clean, renewable, and accessible to all.

Local, clean, accessible energy – to heat and cool our homes, run our businesses, and get around – is essential to a thriving Upper Valley, and our path to get there must be just and equitable. Vital Communities works at the community level with town energy committees, clean energy businesses, and other partners to reduce our region’s reliance on fossil fuels and ease the disproportionate burden of energy costs and impacts on our most vulnerable neighbors.

Our Latest Energy Projects and Events

Weatherize!

Adding insulation and air sealing your home is one of the best things you can do to reduce energy costs, make your home more comfortable in summer and winter, and reduce your carbon footprint. Vital Communities works with town energy committees from across the Upper Valley to help our neighbors save money and stay warm with weatherization.

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Green Real Estate

The Upper Valley is home to some of the oldest and leakiest homes in the country. For many, energy is the highest cost of home ownership after mortgage, taxes, and insurance. Vital Communities is helping home buyers invest in energy savings within their first year and sellers make energy efficiency a selling point.

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E-bikes for All

Vital Communities is launching a program to provide a subsidy to approximately 12 low- and moderate-income Vermonters in the Upper Valley who would like to buy an electric bicycle (e-bike) for transportation. Some participants will be able to obtain an e-bike for free and others can receive one of two tiers of financial assistance. There will also be assistance for such necessities as locks and winter maintenance, and education and training provided by Vital Communities. For those who receive a partial subsidy, the program will also offer a no-interest loan for the remainder of the purchase price. This project is a pilot made possible by a grant to Vital Communities from VTrans. Email UVTMA@vitalcommunities.org to be placed on the mailing list to receive more information about the program.

Change from the Bottom Up

The Upper Valley is home to dozens of volunteer Energy Committees, leading efforts to reduce energy use and switch to renewable energy at the individual, neighborhood, and community level. Vital Communities supports and connects grassroots energy action in every corner of the Upper Valley.

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