Energy Efficiency in Buildings
POWER Program
The Vermont State Legislature passed ACT 45 in May 2009, which allows Vermont communities to voluntarily establish “clean energy assessment districts” to make it easier for building owners to invest in energy efficiency and/or renewable energy projects in existing homes and businesses. In Burlington, we are calling it Burlington POWER Program (Property Owners Win with Efficiency and Renewables). The municipality funds the district through bonds or any other appropriate financing mechanisms, and the participating property owner can access funding for eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and then pay back the cost as a regular municipal assessment on their property tax or other municipal bill.
Advanced Meter Infrastructure
BED is planning to install advanced meter infrastructure (AMI), commonly referred to as “smart meters.” AMI would replace all existing meters, provide data to BED and its customers in 15-minute intervals, and offer two-way communication. This better data will be combined with incentive(s) to reduce peak electricity use, cost, and emissions. The smart meters will be installed starting this com¬ing spring.
Renewable Energy Resources
Solar Cities Project
The Burlington School District, BED and CEDO are collaborating with a newly formed L3C corporation – New Generation Partners – in a public/private partnership to develop between 1.5 and 2 megawatts of PV power on the rooftops of 5-6 school buildings. As a private entity, NGP can access a number of federal subsidies that would not otherwise be available to the City or School District. Key to this effort is a Power Purchase Agreement being developed between BED and NGP that will provide compensation to the project equal to the costs avoided by BED. The project will “green” the schools, expand BED’s renewable energy portfolio, and provide lease payment income to the School District in an amount around $44,000/year.
Transportation
Waterfront Bike Path
The Burlington Bike Path Task Force was established by a City Council resolution in October 2010 to look at how to make comprehensive upgrades to Burlington's Waterfront Bike Path, as well as the rest of the City's path network. The Task Force is charged with recommending improvements to be made and recommending a financing mechanism to fund the work by next October.