Projects and Events
Williston Energy Fair
On Saturday September 16, 2023, the Williston Energy Fair hosted an Energy Fair at the Allen Brook School, 497 Talcott Road, in Williston, VT. The 2023 Energy Fair was an expansion of our very successful 2022 EV Fest. Electric vehicle (EV) owners were again in attendance to display their EVs and to discuss with residents their experiences of evaluating, purchasing and owning an EV. In all, eighteen EVs of various makes and models and a battery powered e-bike with a solar charger were on display.
The 2023 Energy Fair included a number of partner organizations and vendors who specialize in solar installations, home weatherization, cold climate heat pumps, electric lawncare devices and many more energy related products. Participating partners included Green Mtn Power (GMP) Vermont Gas (VGS), eLAWNZ, Building Energy, Green Mountain Solar, SunCommon, Safe Routes to Schools, PlugInAmerica, Mow Electric, and Williston 2050.
See this Article in the Williston Observer Green Living section for more details.
E-Bike Lending Library
This past summer some Williston residents got to try out an e-bike for free, thanks to a collaboration with Local Motion, a bike advocacy organization based in Burlington, VT.
Local Motion's Chittenden County Traveling E-Bike Lending Library was in Williston for 6 weeks from June 14 – August 1. Borrowers were able to check out an e-bike from the Williston Town Hall Annex for five days to find out how these bikes can replace car trips and transform daily transportation needs.
The fleet included 3 e-bikes at different price points, including the Radwagon, RadCity and Trek Verve+2, each with an electric assist that helps riders get around with less effort and scale hills that previously seemed impossible.
E-bikes are a transportation option that is becoming more familiar and necessary, and the goal of this program is to introduce Vermonters to how e-bikes can be used in everyday life and replace car trips. From commuting to work to picking up groceries and carrying kids to school, e-bikes provide an extra boost of power that makes miles feel shorter and cargo feel lighter.
The town hopes to continue the e-bike lending program next year.
EV Fest
On Saturday, October 1, 2022, the Williston Energy Committee hosted an “EV Fest” at Allen Brook School on Talcott Road. This event showcased 18 electric vehicles of different makes and models, including the Champlain Valley School District's electric school bus. 75-100 people attended and got the opportunity to talk with EV owners about their buying and ownership experiences. Participating partners included Green Mountain Power, Green Mountain Solar, Efficiency Vermont and Drive Electric Vermont. The Energy Committee plans to hold the event again in successive years. This event also served to kickstart the Energy Committee's EV Ambassador Program described below.
Have you read about EVs and PHEVs and still have questions?
Would you like to talk to a Williston resident who owns an EV or PHEV?
Ask Our EV/PHEV Ambassador Team!
A group of Williston EV and PHEV owners have come together to form our EV Ambassador Team. These Ambassadors have provided information for this website and many have offered to answer your questions as you consider which EV or PHEV is right for you.
If you already own an electric vehicle and are interested in being on our Ambassador Team, please contact us at energy@willistonvt.org.
Weatherize and Electrify Campaign
In Fall of 2022 the Energy Committee received funding through the Vermont Council on Rural Development's Climate Catalyst Innovation grant program to conduct targeted outreach to provide information about weatherization and electrification incentives to low and moderate-income households with outdated heating systems and/or homes in need of weatherization. In spring of 2023, the Energy Committee conducted a survey of households in Williston identified as potentially energy burdened to get information about home energy usage, weatherization efforts and their familiarity with and/or interest in energy efficiency programs.
In total, 83 people responded. Nearly 30% of respondents noted that energy costs seem higher than they should be, and an additional 30% expressed that energy costs were currently a challenge or could be challenging if the costs were to increase. When asked to list specific energy efficiency measures they have taken, respondents answered as follows:
· Switched to LEDs (25%)
· Lowered thermostat settings (23%)
· Weatherized their homes (19%)
· Installed a more efficient heating system (10%)
· Installing a programable thermostat (10%)
· Other measures (collectively 12%) such as replacing doors and/or windows, installing on-demand hot water systems, installing a heat pump, and installing energy efficient appliances.
Many people shared tips and advice, a few of which are excerpted here:
Biggest bang for the buck are my solar panels. Used Sun Common. Expensive but without an electric bill for 3 years, they will pay for themselves in a few more years.
Vermont Gas weatherization program for mobile homes did a fantastic job in insulating underneath the house, doors, attic, windows, etc. which has greatly improved the warmth in the house this past winter and was able to lower the thermostat.
Weatherization cut our heating by 30%. LED bulbs cut our electric bill by 40%.
We had an energy audit from Building Energy and got some insulation and air sealing work done. We also had some windows replaced and doors upgraded.
Solar Panels. GE heat pump hybrid water heater. Mitsubishi heat pump for spring/summer/fall. Weatherization of all attic/crawl space/roof.
Most of what we have done has been 'do it yourself' or w/a local handyperson who can help with the easy stuff.
The Williston Energy Committee is present at many town events (such as the Isham Farmers Market, Independence Day celebration and more) to provide information on how to leverage funding and incentives from both established and newly emerging programs, so you can increase your energy savings and comfort at home. Stay tuned for announcements on Front Porch Forum and on this site. Also, you can find more information on the Resources page of the Energy Committee website.