GUILFORD — The Guilford Volunteer Fire Department was one of nine nonprofit organizations in Vermont to receive grants for solar energy projects from Green Mountain Power (GMP).
Guiford Fire will receive a $16,400 grant toward installing a solar system at its fire station.
According to GMP, nearly two dozen nonprofits submitted grant applications. Funding was awarded based on the grants' projected impact on the recipients and their communities, additional sources of funds leveraged by the grants, and educational value associated with the projects.
All nine of the projects, which will cost at least twice the grant amount and include other funding sources, are expected to be complete by next summer.
GMP says it recently became the world's first utility to earn B Corporation status, certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous accountability, environmental, social, and transparency standards.
According to GMP president and CEO Mary Powell in a news release, these grants help further GMP's mission to create a new energy system that is more environmentally and economically sustainable.
“As we continue to partner with customers and communities to create a more resilient and reliable grid, with micro-grids, renewable generation, and energy storage, we will continue to help nonprofit groups embrace this exciting new world,” she said.