Report of the meeting of the State Policy Working Group on Energy

A group including Gus Seelig, Erhard Mahnke, Blair Hamilton, Elizabeth Chant, Kenn Sassorossi, Molly Dugan, Josh Hanford and Eileen Peltier, met on July 2nd. Among the issues discussed were:

  1. The need for state policy at many levels to prioritize multi-family properties including the State Weatherization Program, new programs to be developed usingREGI and Forward Capacity funding and the state’s housing programs so that rehabilitation focused on energy efficiency is a priority for HOME and CDBG. Note: this is already among the listed priorities in the State’s Consolidated Plan. However, most have interpreted recent discussions of the Consolidated Plan to focus on the need for net new units.
  2. Sub-metering. Exploration and clarification of whether owners of properties that heat with oil and propane can sub-meter without becoming utilities and subject to regulation. Kenn Sassorossi to follow up on this issue.
  3. Weatherization screening tools. The tools currently in place need upgrading and updating in consideration of the following:

a)The current cost of fuel (and its likely increase)

b)New technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency

c)Development of a longer pay back horizon (at least 12-15 years rather than the typical 6)

d)Weatherization program specifically needs a number of changes to make it more user friendly and consistent with changes in statute for the State’s Weatherization Trust Fund. Elizabeth Chant will develop and memorandum on this issue for consideration at the next meeting.

  1. Clean energy development funds. There is a fund available for the development of clean energy (i.e., solar, hydro, wood). A pipeline needs to be developed to demonstrate the need for this fund so it is not rated for other purposes. Kenn Sassorossi and Craig Peltier will follow up on this issue.
  2. Several issues will likely be covered by the short-term committee. They include: a) eligibility for the state fuel buying program or other bulk purchasing methods; b) availability of LIHEAP funds either to operators of affordable housing or assuring eligibility and access for renters where heat is included in the rent will otherwise face significant rent increases; c) development of Lines of Credit for nonprofit operators of housing or the ability to tap into reserves is needed to assure they have some purchasing power for the coming very challenging winter.
  3. There was a discussion for the need of a technician or roving technicians to assure that affordable housing developments have heating systems operating at peak efficiency.
  4. There is a need to participate in Public Service Board workshops for the all fuels utility funding available through REGI and Forward Capacity. (VHCB staff attended both workshops)
  5. It was suggested to further discuss the state implementing time of sale requirements around energy efficiency including disclosure of fuel use and levels of efficiency a particular building has achieved.
  6. The group needs to get familiar with AARP’s proposal for electric efficiency affordability.
  7. More resources are needed to implement thermal efficiency.

I:\admin\Gus\State Policy on Energy Mtg 7-08.doc