Annual Energy Fair is Saturday

People can tour more than 70 exhibits and talk with dozens of experts about how to reduce fuel bills, save energy and shrink emissions.

Information about new technologies and programs will be available, and people can participate in four breakout sessions:

• 10 a.m., sustainable transportation, mass transit, vans, car pools, electric vehicles.

• 11 a.m., air and ground-source heat pumps, a powerful way to save money and energy.

• Noon, going solar — what are the options, incentives, and how do I decide?

• 1 p.m., weatherization — techniques, programs, incentives, bank loans.

Marko the Magician will give a free show for kids at 11 a.m.

Admission is free, and electronics can be recycled for free at the fair.

Information: Ned Houston, 244-7829 or hesplanning@aol.com, waterburyleap.org.

Energy challenge prize: $5 million

As part of its energy fair this Saturday, Waterbury LEAP will launch All-In Energy Challenge.

LEAP had success with the Waterbury-Duxbury Solar Year Challenge in 2013 and 2014, and now plans a more ambitious effort as part of the Georgetown University Energy Prize.

The prize competition is designed to motivate towns to improve energy efficiency and promote it; the winner gets $5 million.

LEAP applied for the prize with the approval of the Waterbury and Duxbury select boards. Late last year, it was named one of 52 towns in the U.S. to be semifinalists. South Burlington and Montpelier are also in the semifinals.

The Georgetown Prize is based on how much energy is saved from now through March 2017, compared to the prior two years. The Georgetown Prize focuses on only two aspects: natural gas (which neither Waterbury nor Duxbury has) and electricity. The prize includes only residential, municipal and school energy use, and excludes all businesses, plus the State Office Complex in Waterbury.

The goal for energy efficiency is to reduce annual energy consumption for residents and schools by 5 percent.

Efficiency Vermont has agreed to gather and report all the data on energy consumption, in partnership with Green Mountain Power.

Waterbury LEAP will promote energy efficiency through its annual LEAP fair, and through as more targeted outreach and support for residents and schools.  

Information about the prize: guep.org. Information about Waterbury LEAP’s efforts: Jamison Ervin, 244-5875.