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PUBLIC SQUARE is a VPT initiative addressing
issues of concern to Vermonters. Mixing documentary footage, thoughtful
insight, in-depth panel discussions and more, we'll keep you
informed about local events and issues that affect your lives. |
Coping With Fuel Costs
Thursday, February 28th at 8:00 pm
 At home, at work and on the road, ever-rising fuel costs are affecting all Vermonters. Individuals, businesses, towns, schools and the state all struggle with the economic impact. The program will combine video, studio discussion, viewer calls, and an online webcast and chat to focus on the issue from a variety of angles. "Public Square" will begin with a video report that highlights a recent joint hearing of the House Committees on Natural Resources, Ways and Means, and Commerce about the impact fuel costs have on the everyday lives and businesses of Vermonters. Then, host Kristin Carlson and panelists will discuss such topics as assistance for low-income Vermonters, ways to make homes energy-efficient and what rising fuel costs could mean to Vermont's overall economic future.
- Matt Cota
Executive Director, Vermont Fuel Dealers Association
- Gary Flomenhoft
Faculty and Research Associate, Gund Institute for Ecological Economics at the University of Vermont
- Pam Dalley
Fuel Assistance Program Chief, Vermont Department for Children and Families
- Paul Zabriskie
Director, Weatherization Program at Central Vermont Community Action
Viewers are encouraged to call in with questions. A toll-free number will be announced during the program. Along with the broadcast, the program will be streamed on VPT's website and a live web chat will be held during the broadcast.
Community Resources
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Alliance to Save Energy
1850 M Street, NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
202-857-0666
info@ase.org
The Alliance to Save Energy promotes energy efficiency worldwide to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security. Click here for the latest energy efficiency news or to subscribe to any of the Alliance's free news and information services.
Visit the Vermont State Energy Efficiency Index section of the Alliance's website for more information on appliance standards; public benefits fund; transportation initiatives; energy efficiency tax incentives; carbon cap and trade; energy efficiency funds; building codes and other legislation.
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Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC)
Main Office (Washington County)
195 US RT 302 - Berlin
Barre, VT 05641
1-800-639-1053 or 802-479-1053
Since 1965, CVCAC has gained a reputation for leadership in education on poverty issues, advocacy on behalf of low-income families and developing strategies to reduce poverty. CVCAC's objectives are achieved by providing training and technical assistance, as well as encouragement and support, so that people can begin to overcome personal and institutional barriers to their economic security and well-being. There are CVCAC offices in Washington, Orange and Lamoille counties.
Lamoille County
197 Harrel Street
Morrisville, VT 05661
1-800-639-8710 or 802-888-7993
Orange County West
159 Main Street
Bradford, VT 05033
1-888-815-6737 or 802-222-4963
Orange County East
35 Ayers Brook Road
Randolph, VT 05060
1-800-846-9506 or 802-728-9506
Weatherization
10 Gable Place
Barre, VT 05641
1-877-919-2299 or 802-476-2093
CVCAC's Weatherization program reduces energy costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes while ensuring health and safety through insulation, heating, system tune-ups, and draft reduction measures. The Weatherization Program serves the community by helping over 200 income eligible households annually to reduce their energy bills.
CVCAC also provides crisis fuel services. Check out their website for a complete list of services and links to community resources.
There are other Community Action Councils at locations throughout the state. Click here for information on a council in your area. |
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Efficiency Vermont
255 S. Champlain Street, Suite 7
Burlington VT 05401
802-860-4095 or 1-888-921-5990
Efficiency Vermont is the nation's first statewide provider of energy efficiency services and is operated by an independent, nonprofit organization under contract to the Vermont Public Service Board. Efficiency Vermont provides technical assistance and financial incentives to Vermont households and businesses to help reduce energy costs with energy-efficient equipment and lighting and with energy efficient approaches to construction and renovation.
Visit Efficiency Vermont's website for information on lowering your energy bills, figuring out why your electric bills are high, rebate information for your energy efficient purchases, and more. |
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ENERGY STAR
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20460
ENERGY STAR Hotline 1-888-STAR-YES / 1-888-782-7937
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, helping save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Visit the home improvements section of ENERGY STAR's website to analyze your home's energy use and for information on heating and cooling, insulating and energy star qualified products that use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. |
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Home Energy Saver
The Home Energy Saver is designed to help consumers identify the best ways to save energy in their homes, and find the resources to make better savings happen. The Home Energy Saver was the first Internet-based tool for calculating energy use in residential buildings.
In the No/Low-Cost Tips section of The Home Energy Saver website, you'll find information on heating and cooling, appliances, window and doors as well as other tips to help you save energy.
The Home Energy Saver's Energy Advisor (http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/db/zip.shtml) calculates energy use and savings opportunities, based on a detailed description of the home provided by the user. The Ask An Energy Expert Service is provided courtesy of U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network. |
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Vermont Agency of Human Services
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05671
802-241-2220
The Vermont Agency of Human Services' mission is to improve the conditions and well-being of Vermonters today and tomorrow and protect those who cannot protect themselves. The Agency administers the following assistance programs:
LIHEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program)
The Seasonal Fuel Assistance Program (also known as LIHEAP) is administered by the Economic Services Division (ESD, formerly the Department of PATH) of the Department for Children and Families (DCF). It is funded entirely by federal dollars through LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) from the Administration for Children and Families, which is a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Visit the Seasonal Fuel Assistance section for application and eligibility information as well as links to advocate publications. LIHEAP Application Deadline: February 29, 2008
The Crisis Fuel Program
1-800-287-0589
If you have a heating emergency, the Crisis Fuel Program is available for assistance from the last Monday in November through the end of April.
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Vermont Fuel Dealers Association (VFDA)
Po Box 366
Northfield, VT 05663
802-485-7999
info@vermontfuel.com
The Vermont Fuel Dealers Association is a nonprofit organization of companies in the fuel and heating business. First established in 1963 as the Vermont Oil Heat Institute, VFDA serves as an advocate and resource for this vital industry. Vermont's heating fuel retailers continue a proud Vermont tradition of giving back to the communities where they live. The Patch/Chit Neighbor-in-Need program has collected more than 6000 gallons in pledges. Cash and fuel donations by VFDA members add up to more than $16 thousand dollars.
The program creates and places pledges or “chits,” usually in 100 gallon fuel increments, in a pool for the use of the Department of Social Welfare's Emergency Fuel Program and other similar programs. For over twenty years, the program has been used as a statewide “safety net” to address the emergency fuel needs of low income Vermonters. None of the funds are used for the administration of the program. VFDA's Fuel Assistance Program is one of several efforts by Vermont's heating fuel retailers to help those who need assistance the most during the cold winter. VFDA works with community action agencies, Habitat for Humanity, the Vermont Heating Assistance Program, low income advocates and the Vermont Military Families Assistance Fund to distribute fuel to those in need. |
Previous Programs
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