Dear Vermonters,
We usually use this column to answer your business-related energy efficiency questions; but since Tropical Storm Irene, business has been anything but usual. Since the first reports of widespread damage came in, all of us at Efficiency Vermont have been working as quickly as possible to adapt our programs to help with rebuilding.
Our own Chuck Clerici, from Wilmington, wrote in two days after the flood, “The storm hit much earlier and with much more force than anyone expected. The losses are heartbreaking, the worst by far being the death of Ivana Taseva – a wonderful young woman who’d just recently moved here from Macedonia. In addition, many of our families have been displaced and almost every business has incredible damage. I know other towns are dealing with similar tragedies and our hearts go out to them.”
Chuck isn’t a particularly sentimental guy, but there’s no question he’s Vermonter at heart — thinking of others even in the midst of his own town’s hard times. The past few weeks, as challenging as they have been, have shown Vermonters at their best, banding together to get back on our feet. Housing each other, feeding one another, and doing what needs to be done.
Later in his note, Chuck writes, “Many of the businesses that rebuild will have an opportunity to improve their building shells, HVAC, lighting, and refrigeration. I will be offering my assistance to all businesses on this front. I may wish to call on some of my peers with expertise to pitch in. Stay tuned…”
We were all on the same page. As the state efficiency utility, our main focus needs to remain on energy efficiency, but we can help those rebuilding with both financial and technical assistance, and also ensure that wherever possible, buildings are more efficient and less expensive to operate. Here’s what we have in place:
For small businesses (and homeowners) beginning to repair or rebuild: We are offering free, objective moisture assessments and air sealing for affected areas, with energy efficiency and safety in mind. You can call our Customer Support staff at 888-921-5990 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to schedule your assessment. Funding for this free program is limited, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For those who are replacing damaged or missing equipment: We are offering financial assistance on a wide range of energy efficient replacement equipment. Please visit EfficiencyVermont.com/Irene or call us at 888-921-5990 for the full details.
To all of you who have been affected by the storm, our thoughts are you. As Chuck writes in his letter, “Our town is very sad, but the spirit of Vermont is alive and well.
We couldn’t agree more.
Sincerely,
Paul and Dan