Dummerston Energy Committee
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© 2010 Dummerston e-mail: energy (at) dummerston (dot) org
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About the CommitteeThe Dummerston Energy Committee (DEC) was formed late in 2007 and consists of seven members appointed by the Selectboard. The Committee is working to help reduce the human-made effects of climate change by educating Dummerstonians about energy-saving, and by reducing our town's energy usage through conservation and by developing renewable energy sources. Responsibilities include: supporting the town in monitoring locally important energy issues and developments; promoting local energy conservation and efficiency; and educating Dummerston residents about reducing reliance on expensive, polluting, or wasteful forms of energy. Our activities have included: selling energy-efficient lighting and handing out educational materials at the 2008 Town Meeting; publishing a weekly column Energy Solutions in the Brattleboro Reformer (authored by chairperson Alex Wilson); holding a series of evening lectures; co-sponsoring with the Putney Energy Committee a Button-up Workshop; developing a kilowatt meter lending program; and producing a tax bill insert outlining energy saving tips that residents can implement quickly. A major project has been to try and become familiar with and coordinate with the various energy-related regional and statewide organizations that exist — a veritable alphabet soup of acronyms, all with regular meetings and programs. We have tried to discern where committee members’ limited time would be best spent in coordinating with various agencies and organizations without duplication of effort and in ways that can most benefit Dummerston residents. We are also in contact with the town Planning Commission and the Housing Commission, as appropriate. Visitors to our meetings have presented intriguing questions and requests. For example, the West Street metal halide outdoor lighting experiment grew out of an amateur astronomer’s proposal to reduce light pollution. One resident asked us to look into the possibility of micro-hydro, which apparently existed years ago in Dummerston. A local contractor brought to our attention a cellulose insulation resource in town, and another resident asked for advice in reducing energy use in a campground. Our local House representatives Deen and Mrowicki have visited as well, helping us better understand the recent energy legislation and potential for implementation. Outreach via the Views of Dummerston and this Web site is an ongoing effort. Submissions to this site — resources for energy conservation and technology, links to excellent energy-related Web sites, etc. — will be gratefully received. Simply e-mail us at energy (at) dummerston (dot) org and we will consider your information for inclusion. ____________________________________ |
Energy SolutionsArticles by Alex Wilson in the Brattleboro Reformer. July 27: Dehumidifiers See all of Alex's archived articles here. ___________________
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