Thetford Energy Committee News & Notes 

Interested in Community Solar? Subscribe to the New Community Solar Project at TES - to learn more, Click here.

(Looking for the TES Solar Letter of Interest form? Click here) 

Download, fill out, and and mail your completed Letter of Interest form to: Harry Falconer, TRORC Regional IREC Coordinator, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission, 128 King Farm Road, Woodstock, VT 05091, or email an electronic copy to Harry at hfalconer@trorc.org to be added to the list of interested subscribers.

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We hope you find the information and links on this page helpful. If you have questions or suggestions for us, or would like any other energy-related information, please contact us at by email at energy@thetfordvt.gov or nolan.riegler@gmail.com. We can assist in connecting you with various programs or help you find answers to your energy-related questions.

 

Committee Mission:

The Joint Thetford Energy Committee (JTEC) works with the Selectboard, the School Board, Town Manager, schools, residents, and businesses to help reduce energy use, save money and protect the environment.

Committee Opening: 

The Town of Thetford has two openings on the Joint Thetford Energy Committee. The committee mission is to “work with the Selectboard, the School Board, Town Manager, schools, residents and businesses to help reduce energy use, save money and protect the environment.”

If you are interested in joining this committee, please send a letter of interest to the Selectboard at selectboard@thetfordvt.gov or mailing to PO Box 126 Thetford Center VT 05075

Committee Members:

• Alice Stewart (Selectboard appointee, term expires 2026)
• Erica Ko (Selectboard appointee, term expires 2027)
• Chuck Cole (Selectboard appointee, term expires 2026)
• Chris Hebb (School Board appointee)
• Nolan Riegler, Chair (School Board appointee, term expires 2024)
• Weston Martin (Selectboard appointee, term expires 2025)
• Open (School Board appointee)
• Open (TA appointee)
• Open (Selectboard appointee)

Committee Meetings:

The Joint Thetford Energy Committee will meet on the second Thursday of each month, 6:00pm-7:30pm.

• View the Meeting Calendar
• View Energy Committee Meeting Minutes

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Intermunicipal Regional Energy Coordinator:

 

Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) was approached in late 2019 by a group of towns in the TRORC region about hiring staff to support the implementation of each town's energy goals. Following the approval by voters in each of the towns, the first locally funded, shared position of its kind is off and running.

Currently, the towns of Barnard, Bradford, Norwich, Sharon, Strafford, Thetford, and Woodstock are participating in the IREC program.

Projects are driven by a Steering Committee comprised of a representative from each town. Energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emission reduction and other programs that help to meet Vermont’s Comprehensive Energy Plan goals will be the focus of the work.

For more information about this program, contact Geoff Martin at gmartin@trorc.org.

• View Intermunicipal Regional Energy Coordinator (IREC) Meeting Minutes

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Below is a list of our current projects and useful information:

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Transportation

Electric Vehicles
eBikes
MileageSmart Program (savings on purchases of fuel-efficient used cars)
Public Transportation Options
Vehicle Energy-Saving Tips

Weatherization

Weatherization Overview
WindowDressers Energy-Saving Inserts

Heating

Overview
Energy Saving Programs

Lawn & Yard
Solar & Battery Backup
State and Local Energy Resources
Intermunicipal Regional Energy Coordinator (IREC)
Local Food Initiatives

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Transportation

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Buyer's Guide to Driving Electric in Vermont's Upper Valley 

The Institute for Energy & the Environment at the Vermont Law and Graduate School and the Hartford Energy Commission have prepared this comprehensive guide to help Upper Valley residents navigate the EV buying process. 

Download a copy here.

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Considering buying an Electric Vehicle? Have questions?

Ask Our Electric Vehicle Ambassador Team!

Have you read about Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and still have questions?
Would you like to talk to a Thetford resident who owns an EV or PHEV? 

A group of Thetford EV and PHEV owners have come together to form our EV/PHEV Ambassador Team. These Ambassadors helped create the EV/PHEV content on this website and many have offered to answer your questions as you consider which EV or PHEV is right for you.

• EV and PHEV Overview: Click on Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) on the side menu for an overview of EVs and PHEVs.
• EV & PHEV FAQs: Click on EV & PHEV FAQs on the side menu. Our Ambassadors have answered some of the most frequently asked questions from people considering buying an EV or PHEV.
• Ask an EV & PHEV Ambassador: Click on EV & PHEV Ambassadors in the side menu to access a table listing EVs and PHEVs in town and listing the Ambassadors. If you don't find an answer to your question(s) on our website pages or in the FAQs, feel free to email one of our Ambassadors (just click on a name in the EV & PHEV Ambassadors table). Or, email the Joint Thetford Energy Committee with your question.

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Curious about eBikes? Considering trying or buying one? Have questions?

Ask Our eBike Ambassador Team!

Are you curious about eBikes? Do you wonder if they can help you tackle Vermont's toughest terrain and biggest hills (with a smile on your face), or wonder if eBikes are a viable way to commute to work? Do you want to know if riding an eBike is cheating? (hint: No it's not.) If you have questions, our Thetford eBike Ambassador Team may have the answers you are looking for.

A group of Thetford eBike owners have come together to form our eBike Ambassador Team. These Ambassadors helped create the eBike content on this website and many have offered to answer your questions as you consider if an eBike is right for you.

• eBike Overview: Click on eBikes on the side menu for an overview.
• eBike FAQs: Click on eBike FAQs on the side menu. Our Ambassadors have answered some of the most frequently asked questions from people considering buying an eBike.
• Ask an eBike Ambassador: Click on eBike Ambassadors in the side menu to access a table listing EVs and PHEVs in town and listing the Ambassadors. If you don't find an answer to your question(s) on our website pages or in the FAQs, feel free to email one of our Ambassadors (just click on a name in the eBike Ambassadors table). Or, email the Joint Thetford Energy Committee with your question.

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Get help affording an eBike!

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Upper Valley eBike Lending Library Program - coming back this summer! 6/29 - 7/19/22

Reservations will open around May 29, 2022: To reserve an eBike go here.

In partnership with Vital Communities', the Energy Committee will again offer the successful Upper Valley eBike Lending Library program.

The Upper Valley eBike Lending Library includes a selection of four e-bikes of assorted styles and retail costs, from a “cargo e-bike” that can haul groceries or kids to a lighter-weight “commuter e-bike.” People can borrow and try these e-bikes for free to discover what e-bikes are really like and consider whether one could become part of their everyday lives. So far, more than a third of the people who have borrowed Library bikes said they plan to buy one of their own. 

The bikes.

The RadWagon

The RadWagon is a cargo eBike that can carry you and your kids, groceries, and other valuable cargo around town and some mild backroads. The 5 pedal-assist levels and throttle help take the buckets of sweat away from your bike commute and the cargo carrying ability makes this a true car replacement!

Minimum rider height: about 5'2"
E-bike weight: 73 pounds
Transport: ride home, truck bed

Specialized Turbo Como

This eBike feels like a rocket ship (if you want it to). Its oversized road tires absorb bumps and cracks in the road. The e-assist propels you over hills and across flats. The Turbo Como is great for commuting any distance, from 2 miles to 20 miles. With a range of up to about 60 miles, the Como will take you far! This bike fits folks who are 5'6'' and taller.

Minimum rider height: about 5'2''
E-bike weight: 48 pounds
Transport: ride home, truck bed, van

  

RadMini Step-Thru 2 

This affordable version of a Brompton folding e-bike has a strong 750 Watt motor and large battery while still being able to fold down to a small size for better portability and storage.
The Step-Thru feature, wide tires, and front suspension make this eBike easy and comfortable to use, While small, this bike is designed to fit riders from 4'10'' to 5'10''.

Bianchi Cortina with an E-bike Conversion Kit
This Traditional upright riding position eBike is great for riding around town while doing errands, commuting to work, or enjoying the day. A light aluminum frame combined with a low-cost add-on medium power motor (500 Watts) that has torque sensing pedals gives a very smooth and comfortable ride while making carrying a bag of groceries or a briefcase a breeze. Size: S/M

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Save $$$ on a Fuel-Efficient Used Car!

Get 25% of the vehicle cost, up to $5,000 for a USED car that gets better gas mileage.
The remainder can be paid in cash, financed, with a trade-in, or any combination of these.
The money can also be used to offset debt owed on your current vehicle if you plan to trade-in.
Special low-interest rates are available for financing your purchase.

For application info or assistance check out the following resources, we are happy to help!:
Website:  www.mileagesmartvt.org
Local mechanic:  Michael Watson, michaelwatson2231@gmail.com
Joint Thetford Energy Committee:  energy@thetfordvt.gov

APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 years or older, cannot be claimed as a dependent.
• Must be employed, on disability, or over 60 years old.

      

VEHICLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be an eligible USED vehicle at a Vermont dealership, not a private party. You can search sites like cars.com or autotempest.com, and filters can help you narrow your search to specific makes and models and used vehicles.
• Car is rated at 40 MPG or higher.
• The title is clean, no salvages.
• Purchase price is not above the NADA high book value.
• Must be on Mileage Smart’s list of eligible vehicles. Some cars are gas-electric hybrids like the Toyota Prius, some are electric with gas backups like the Chevy Volt, and some all-electric like the Nissan Leaf. Check the MileageSmart website for the full list of eligible vehicles. 

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Transportation Options

Take advantage of ride sharing and public transportation options available in the Upper Valley:

• There is a commuter parking lot for carpooling and public transit on Rt. 113 just east of the I-91 Thetford exit.
• Stagecoach bus service picks up riders there for trips into the Hanover, Lebanon, White River area, Monday through Friday at 6:55AM and 10AM and drops off back at the Thetford Park and Ride at 1:30PM and 5PM. Riders with medical issues, disabilities or over 60 years of age can call for special individual pickups. For fares, complete schedules or to schedule pickups, contact Stagecoach at 802-728-3773, hbenoir@stagecoach-rides.org or stagecoach-rides.org.
• Advance Transit provides free bus service between the core Upper Valley towns: 802-295-1824, info@advancetransit.com, schedules online at advancetransit.com.
• Upper Valley Rideshare provides free carpool matching services for commuters in VT and NH, with FREE Emergency Ride Home benefit for all registered carpoolers. ERH also available to regular transit riders, bicyclists and walkers who work in the Upper Valley BEST Workplaces for Commuters District. Broker for Vermont RideShare. 802-295-1824 x21, info@uppervalleyrideshare.com, and vermontrideshare.org.

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Vehicle Energy-Saving Tips

Tire Inflation, Fuel Economy, Savings and Safety

Did you know that tire pressure impacts fuel efficiency? Under-inflated tires have higher rolling resistance; this reduces fuel economy. In fact, fuel efficiency is reduced by 1% for every 3.0 PSI that your tires are below recommended levels. Properly inflated tires save you money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Save about $65/yr on gas and extend your tire life, by having properly inflated tires.
• According to the U.S. Department of Energy under-inflated tires wastes 4 million gallons of gasoline daily, or nearly 1.5 billion gallons annually.

Tires lose pressure even without a leak

Tires materials are porous, so they lose air even when they do not have a leak and the vehicle is not even being driven. A Consumer Reports study showed that air-filled tires naturally lose about 3.5 psi of pressure over a year at rest. However, under normal driving conditions, air-filled tires can lose from 1 to 2 psi per month. Vehicles with under-inflated tires not only decrease fuel economy, they create handling problems that can cause crashes.

Climate also affects tire pressure. If your tires are properly inflated during a Vermont winter they can become overinflated when the weather gets warmer and the air inside tires expands. Similarly, properly inflated tires during the summer suddenly look flat when the weather turns cold and the air inside tires contracts.

When and how to check your tire pressure 

This Edmunds article details when and how to check and fill your tires. 

In summary, since you may lose about 1to 2 psi of pressure every month, it's good practice to check your tires monthly. Edmunds states you should check the pressure when the tires are cold, as the friction from driving causes them to heat up and affects the pressure. They take about a half-hour to cool down. Or you can just check the tires first thing in the morning when the ambient temperature is lower.

Use a tire gauge. Edmunds confirms what you probably already know, that "you can't tell if a tire is under-inflated just by looking at it. If it actually looks under-inflated, it is way, way under-inflated. And you can't really rely on a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to keep track. Most systems only warn you when the pressure is 25 percent below the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure." 

To take a pressure reading, unscrew the cap from the tire valve, position your gauge on the valve and then press down.

To inflate a tire, use either your own air pump or one at a gas station to inflate them until they reach the needed pressure. Be sure to use your pressure gauge to verify proper inflation.

Do not inflate tires according to the maximum pressure rating written on their sidewalls. Most cars have a sticker on the driver-side door jamb that lists recommended tire pressure. If you are unsure, ask a your car dealer.

Vehicle Idling

Reduced idling saves fuel and thus money, reduces pollutants (particularly those that cause respiratory problems like asthma), saves wear and tear on the engine, and reduces your contribution to climate-changing greenhouse gases. One easy way to reduce your vehicle idling is to eliminate unnecessary warmup. Consult your vehicle manual for the manufacturer’s instructions on warmup — vehicles with direct injection engines (produced beginning in the mid-1980s) do not need to be warmed up and excessive warmup can damage the engine, wastes fuel, and increases emissions. Vehicle Idling Q&A pdf (73kb)

Other common situations that lead to unnecessary vehicle idling include dropping off and picking up children at school; stopping at the post office, stores, and recycling; pulling over to talk on cell phones; waiting to pass through roadwork sites or for a freight train to pass; and waiting at drive-thru windows. The EPA recommends parking your car and going into restaurants, banks, and the like instead of idling in drive-up lanes. In most situations, you will save gas by turning the engine off and restarting it again rather than idling the engine.

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Weatherization

 

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Weatherization Overview

Heating bills in many older homes can be cut by 30% to 50% by getting an energy audit and effectively weatherizing your home. Households meeting income eligibility guidelines may qualify for free energy audits and retrofits, through the Vermont Weatherization Program. More information about Vermont’s Weatherization Program is available at: the State or Vermont weatherization site.

If you do not meet the low income eligibility criteria, visit Efficiency Vermont and search for Home Performance with Energy Star contractors.

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2022 Window Dressers Energy-Saving Inserts

 

Thetford has hosted several years of very successful Window Dresser community events to build light weight window inserts for local residents. This year we are joining forces with energy committees of Norwich & Hanover to support the Window Dresser builds in October in Hanover.  There are limited spaces open to get window inserts built, and priority will be given to income qualifying households. 

 

For more information on WD, visit: www.windowdressers.org 

In 2019-2020, the Thetford and Strafford Energy Committees WindowDressers program completed and distributed 249 reusable, insulating window inserts in 6 days of workshops involving 12 teams of enthusiastic volunteers!

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Heating

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Energy Saving Information

The Energy Committee has been working with Vital Communities to improve awareness of the many state and local programs designed to save energy, improve home comfort and reduce energy bills.  Many of these programs have been created especially for low to moderate income households.  Vital Communities has developed an Energy Savings Guide for Orange County residents.  Take a look at the guide here:  Orange-County-Energy-Savings-Guide

For more information about energy savings, please visit Vital Communities Vermont Energy Savings website.

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Lawn & Yard

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De-Lawnification

Reducing the amount of lawn you mow (De-Lawnification) is a great way to reduce your climate impact!

Here are just a few ideas of ways to convert your lawn. (Hint: think incrementally – you can do a small area each year to gradually convert away from a lawn.)

#1 – Plant a vegetable garden	Food gardens don’t have to be high maintenance Potatoes and garlic are two examples of things that are easy to grow Perennials like asparagus and rhubarb do well in our climate   Consider raised beds – they can make it easier to control weeds and they drain well when we have heavy rains
#2 – Plant an herb garden	Herbs like oregano grow well in a south-facing area – and it spreads like a ground cover. And bees love it! Experiment with what grows well at your house (and what doesn’t get eaten by deer or woodchucks)
#3 – Put in edible landscaping	Berries are a great way to convert a hillside to edible landscaping. So you can skip the mowing and have tasty fruit for your family (or for the chipmunks). Blueberries and raspberries are two options that grow well here, and raspberries will spread if you let them.
#4 – Replace grass with clover	Got some bare spots? Put down some white clover seed! Clover doesn’t grow very tall, so it doesn’t need to be mowed. Bees enjoy it, kids love to make crowns from the flowers, it’s pleasant to walk and play on, and it makes an attractive “lawn.”
#5 – Replace lawn with native trees, shrubs, and ground cover	We hosted a panel presentation in October 2022 with our State Forester and two Master Gardeners to provide advice on the best trees to plant for climate resilience and how to create supportive habitat for wildlife. The link to the audio recording is available here. Please note, the presentation audio starts around the 25:59 mark.

 

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Electric Lawn & Yard Equipment

 

May 21, 2022 Electric Lawn & Yard Care Event on the Town Green

 

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Solar & Battery Backup Systems

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New Community Solar at TES - Interested in going Solar? Read on...

The Thetford Energy Committee (TEC) has partnered with Norwich Solar to build an additional 375 kW Solar Array in town next to the Thetford Elementary School's array. This is about enough power to supply the annual needs of 70 households.

By subscribing to this array, residents of Thetford and the surrounding towns will have the opportunity to save money on their electricity bills while helping meet Vermont’s renewable energy goals! The current discount on this array is 7%, but income qualified residents may be eligible for even greater discounts. 

We hope we can find enough interest in Thetford and the surrounding communities to subscribe to the entire array. If at least 50% of those subscribers are income-qualifying, and we’re able to take advantage of tax credits offered under the IRA, those households could be eligible for discounts of up to 20%.

We have until April 15 to find enough interest, after that date Norwich Solar may begin filling the array with other subscribers.

Interested in signing up? Download and then fill out the updated Letter of Interest and mail to:

Harry Falconer, TRORC Regional IREC Coordinator, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission, 128 King Farm Road, Woodstock, VT 05091, or email an electronic copy to Harry at hfalconer@trorc.org to be added to the list of interested subscribers.

The Letter of Interest is not a contract, it does not commit you to subscribing to the array, but it does help us meet our goal of finding at least 50% interest by April 15.

Additionally, if this array gets filled and you want to be considered for the next available array in our region, your information can remain on file at TRORC and Harry can contact you when the next array comes online. 

Still need more information? See a list of Frequently Asked Questions HERE and please come by the Thetford Energy Committee display at Town Meeting on March 2. Additionally, we will hold information sessions in March. Please check back here often for the most up to date information on the array's development and for a schedule of our outreach events.

 

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Community Solar - Past Projects

The Thetford Energy Committee has helped with the development of two community solar projects.  The first was a joint effort with Strafford and went online in September 2018.  The second is on Godfrey Road and went online in late 2019.

Ribbon Cutting for the Thetford-Strafford Community Solar Project, September 2018

 

 

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What do you do when the power goes out? Battery Backup Webinar (Information from March 2023 Event)

Listen to the Audio Recording of the Webinar: HERE  (NOTE: fast forward to 9:00 where the webinar begins)

View Green Mountain Power Webinar Slides: HERE (These slides coincide with webinar recording minutes 13:00-46:00)

View SunCommon Slides: HERE (These slides coincide with webinar recording minutes 46:22-59:10)

In March 2023 the Thetford Energy Committee held a discussion of options for battery backup systems.  We heard from Green Mountain Power and SunCommon about what options are available for home battery systems, the link to solar, incentive programs, and steps to finding more information about what’s right for your home.

We invited Thetford residents and service providers to join, and others with battery backup systems shared their experiences. Topics addressed include:

-  What are the benefits of batteries for me, the grid, and the planet?
-  What can batteries handle during an outage and for how long?
-  How do they work with solar?
-  What are the incentives?
-  How long do they last?
-  How do they compare to a traditional generator?
-  Is my home viable for batteries?
-  How do the GMP's resilient grid incentive programs work?
-  And of course, how much do they cost and how do I sign up?!

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State and Local Energy Resources

 

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Fuel & Food Partnership The State has launched the Vermont Fuel and Food Partnership to help Vermonters address increasing home heating, gasoline, and food costs. The initiative includes links to weatherization, heating assistance, and more at helpforvt.org.

 

Energy Reference Section in Latham Library
To learn more about reducing your energy consumption and the effects of energy’s overuse, you can borrow books and DVDs from the Energy Reference Section at Latham Library on Thetford Hill. Also on loan is a Watt meter – just plug in your home appliances to measure how much energy they use. A PDF copy of the Watt meter instructions is available online. Killawatt instructions.pdf (29kb). For Library Hours call 802-785-4361.

Efficiency Vermont
Efficiency Vermont helps Vermonters reduce energy use in their homes, farms and businesses through a variety of services. These services include technical assistance, education and financial incentives for the purchase of energy-efficient products; EnergySmart home energy analysis CD’s and on-line, a list of certified Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractors and weatherization contractors and more, 888-921-5990, efficiencyvermont.com.

Vermont Department of Public Service
Public Services maintains a webpage of information on energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy.

EnergyStar
You can also get information on energy efficient appliances and other advice for saving energy in your home from the federal government at energystar.gov 

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Intermunicipal Regional Energy Coordinator (IREC) 

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At the Monday, November 26, 2020 Selectboard meeting, Geoff Martin, the IREC, made an informational presentation on a number of energy-related topics: Shared Lane Markings (MTI Grant Program), Energy Services Performance Contracting, the Stretch Code, and the Green Fleet Policy.

 

The below link provides access to his powerpoint presentation on two of these topics:

• Energy Services Performance Contracting - a comprehensive approach to improving Town facilities and
• The Stretch Building Code - a building energy code for residential buildings that achieves greater energy savings than the current Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES) that regulates minimum energy conservation requirements for new buildings as well as additions, alterations, renovations, and repairs to existing buildings.

 Geoff's presentation may be found here: IREC Presentation - Thetford SB 10.26.20

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Local Foods Initiative

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Eating locally produced foods not only supports neighboring farmers, it can reduce the energy impact of the food you eat. The Thetford Energy Committee is working with various groups to increase awareness of and access to local food options:

 

• Vital Communities
• Cedar Circle Farm
• Crossroad Farm
• Willing Hands

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Annual Reports