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Vermont’s renewable energy kickstarts energy independence for the State

Local renewable industry poised to make ‘Vermont energy strong’ , VT Digger, Gabrielle Stebbins, 9 Feb 2012 Montpelier, Vermont – Vermont’s local renewable energy industry— made up of diverse manufacturers, construction contractors, installers, developers, and suppliers— announced today the industry is equipped to help make “Vermont energy strong” in the 21st Century.

The industry, which ranges from local fabricators assembling electrical boards and contractors that specialize in hot water, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass heating installations to regional and international manufacturers of innovative renewable energy technologies, held a press conference on pending policy issues today in Montpelier.

“The benefits of a strong renewable industry flow throughout the state by creating local jobs, producing energy locally, and providing energy security,” said Gabrielle Stebbins, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Vermont (REV), the state trade association representing more than 300 renewables and efficiency businesses in the state. “Growing our own renewable energy in-state is in keeping with Vermonters’ desire for self reliance, a clean energy future that leaves a better legacy for our children, and keeping our dollars local.”

“The industry is ready, willing, and able to both kick-start Vermont’s economy and make‘Vermont energy strong’ in the 21st Century,” said REV Chair, Martha Staskus. “We are extremely grateful for the Governor’s strong support for assuring Vermont doesn’t miss out on the ‘energy revolution’ and for his commitment to expand Vermont’s innovative Standard Offer program in his recent State of the State address. The many diverse businesses and workers of our industry stand with him and we’re ready to get to work.”

The industry highlighted three policies being considered by the legislature and supported by Governor Shumlin critical to the growth of the industry:

1.Expanding Vermont’s Standard Offer program, which provides predictability to local, distributed renewable energy generation….

2. Funding Vermont’s Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF),….

3. Assuring quick passage of technical corrections to Vermont’s successful net metering program…….

….In addition to traditional renewable energy companies and member-businesses of  Renewable Energy Vermont, the industry representatives emphasized how broad and diverse Vermont’s renewable energy industry is. Companies like Demag Cranes, J.A. Morrissey Inc, Engineers Construction Inc. (ECI), Grennon’s Solder Works, Image-Tek, Northeast Prevision, Rennline, S.D. Ireland Concrete are among the many hundreds of businesses engaged in work and creating or sustaining jobs as a result of a strong local renewable energy economy. http://vtdigger.org/2012/02/09/local-renewable-industry-poised-to-make-vermont-energy-strong/

February 10, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | renewable, USA