Programs

Following is a list of some of the projects SERG has worked on since our inception in 2001. If you are interested in more information on any of the following or if you want to sign up to be included on SERG's list to receive periodic project updates or information on energy-saving opportunities, send your name, address, phone number, email address, areas of energy interest or expertise and any questions you might have to SERG@valley.net .

SERG ENERGIZER PROGRAM

In the fall of 2006, SERG will launch its "Energizer Program." SERG supporters who donate a minimum of $50 will receive a "SERG Energizer Card" good for discounts on products & services from participating energy efficiency and renewables dealers. Members will be able to reduce their energy use while saving money on energy audits, insulation services, solar hot water and electric panels, efficient wood stoves, biodiesel, and more. We look forward to working with energy dealers throughout Vermont and New Hampshire to providing these valuable incentives to SERG supporters. If you are interested in joining the SERG Energizer Program or becoming a participating SERG Energizer dealer, please contact us at SERG@valley.net or by calling 802-785-4126. We will be posting more information on the SERG Energizer Program by early Nov. 2006.

TOWN ENERGY COMMITTEES

SERG has helped form energy committees in more than ten Vermont and New Hampshire communities. We are now networking and consulting with more than 20 local energy initiatives to help them implement conservation, efficiency and renewables programs. For a list of the active committees we are working with and programs they are working on, go to Town Energy Committees. SERG will co-lead a workshop on forming new town energy committees at the Nov. 11, 2006 Vermonters Building Solutions: People Creating Healthy Communities at Vermont Technical College in Randolph, Vermont

VERMONT ENERGY AND CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK (VECAN)

In 2005 SERG began working with the Alliance for Climate Action and Vermont Natural Resources Council to replicate SERG's model town energy committees in communities throughout Vermont. In Nov. 2006 VECAN will release an Action Kit that leads towns through the process of forming a committee and provides information and resources on energy saving initiatives. On Dec. 6, 2006, VECAN will host a network gathering of local energy initiatives from throughout Vermont.

BIODIESEL WORKSHOP

In Sep. 2006 SERG hosted a workshop for towns, schools, bus companies, and other trucking agencies on the environmental, health and cost benefits of using biodiesel. Workshop presenters included the Keene, NH fleet manager, who has been using biodiesel in his trucks and equipment and getting improved fuel mileage for 5 years; a professor from Keene State College whose studies of the health effects of diesel vs. biodiesel have shown an 85% reduction of small particulate matter from biodiesel; and the Evan's Motor Fuels, the largest distributors of biodiesel in the Upper Valley.

METHANE STUDY

In winter and spring of 2006 a Masters in Engineering Management graduate student from Thayer and Tuck Schools at Dartmouth conducted a study and produced a report showing the economic and technical feasibility of collecting and using methane from the Lebanon Landfill. The study findings look promising for using this renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a revenue stream for the city. The study's final report was presented to the Lebanon City Council, which expressed interest in pursuing the issue further. We have since connected a landfill gas developer with Lebanon City officials and are continuing to monitor progress on this initiative.

STREETLIGHT PROJECT

SERG has worked with Thetford, Vermont since Jan. 2004 on a program to reduce its streetlights, make them more efficient and less light polluting. Thetford has eliminated 1/4 of its streetlights and is considering switching to more efficient lights with full cut off fixtures that prevent light from spilling out to the side. Thetford is also considering installing photocell timers which will allow the town to shut off certain light in low traffic areas during the middle of the night. Thetford is currently challenging Central Vermont Public Service Corp. before the Vermont Public Service over issue of town ownership of streetlights, which would save towns money and enable them to install more efficient lights, fixtures and controls.

ENERGY AUDITS

SERG staff have been trained and certified as Home Performance with Energy Star shell performance specialists. We have conducted dozens of home energy audits and assessments. Reports from these assessments have spelled out recommendations that will cut homeowner heating bills by up to one third.

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULB (CFL) SALES

Since the fall of 2001, SERG has sold more than 1,500 CFLs. Over the lifetime of these bulbs, they will reduce energy consumption by 900,000 kWh or electricity, save $108,000 on electric bills, and cut CO2 emissions by 1.35 million tons!

SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY AUDITS

In 2004 SERG provided free energy audits on five Upper Valley social service agencies. We have since worked with the agencies to implement the energy-saving recommendations made in reports.

UPPER VALLEY HAVEN ENERGY UPGRADES

In 2003, SERG contributed $8,200 to increase the efficiency in the new Upper Valley Haven building which will save the Haven about $1,000 in energy use per year.

ENERGY EDUCATION

Over the years SERG has held forums and workshops on the Connecticut River hydro dams, wind power, Vermont Yankee and home energy retrofits. We regularly distribute information to our ever-growing list of supporters on energy-saving tips and renewable opportunities.