Editor’s note: This article is by Bob Audette, of the Brattleboro Reformer, in which it was first published Nov. 14, 2014.
BRATTLEBORO — For the first time since it was established, a portion of the Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund is being targeted directly to Windham County, and specifically for solar power programs.
The Vermont Department of Public Service announced on Friday that it is in the process of establishing the Windham County Solar Finance Program to “accelerate the deployment of residential solar energy technologies in Windham County.”
The program is intended to allow one or more private lenders to create or expand lending opportunities to homeowners in the county who are seeking to install solar power systems.
“The intended results include increased rates of investment in solar systems, increased supplies of net-metered renewable power, and greater confidence among financial institutions leading to more participation in this market segment,” stated the DPS. “In addition, increased investment in residential solar technologies will support the growth of jobs and economic opportunity in Windham County …”
The program is intended to assist homeowners with diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Technologies that qualify for the program include solar photovoltaic and solar hot water systems.
The DPS is issuing a request for proposals for the creation of a streamlined customer experience for residential solar lending.
The funding available through this process is provided from a payment to the Department of Public Service from the state’s agreement with Entergy Vermont Yankee, which resulted in the CEDF receiving more than $5.3 million in April of 2014. The agreement, which was negotiated after Entergy announced it was closing Vermont Yankee in Vernon at the end of 2014, requires at least 50 percent of the funds to be spent in, or for the benefit of, Windham County.
“This represents a significant opportunity for Windham County to address the local effects of the closure of the Vermont Yankee power plant as well as the county’s energy and economic future,” stated DPS.
Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on Dec. 23.
