Renewable energy talk set in Brandon
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By Gordon Dritschilo STAFF WRITER - Published: June 13, 2009
BRANDON — The Planning Commission will bring in an Addison County group to talk about renewable energy Monday.
The ACORN Energy Co-op will offer tips about switching to renewable and describe its latest projects and services from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Otter Valley Union High School Library.
Planning Commission Chairman Ethan Swift said the workshop emerged from discussions on starting a town energy committee in Brandon.
"A lot of different towns out there are pulling together interested folks," he said. "The folks in ACORN were interested in coming down and expanding the co-op."
Swift said he suspected people would be most into buying bulk fuel ACORN is offering through Vermont producers. Last year, the organization bought and distributed 66 tons of wood pellets for members. This year, it already has 90 tons in pre-orders.
The member-owned business has recently made presentations in Bristol and Vergennes.
Swift said he would see bringing organizations like ACORN in to meet townspeople as part of an energy committee's mission.
He said he would also expect to see workshops and seminars on increasing energy efficiency.
"I was always thinking the one thing we should explore in Brandon is looking at the resources we have here that could be developed," he said.
For example, Swift said, Brandon has a dam on the Otter Creek in the middle of town that once powered mills and could generate hydroelectric power.
"I think it's a multipronged approach and any energy committee is going to be looking at several things," he said.
gordon.dritschilo@rutlandherald.com
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