BRATTLEBORO — The Windham Regional Commission has received a second round of funding to solicit proposals to fund renewable-energy generation projects through the successful Windham County Renewable Energy Program.
The second round is made possible through funding set aside within the Clean Energy Development Fund as part of the settlement agreement between the state and Entergy Vermont Yankee. The grant program supports renewable-energy generation projects within Windham County.
The Commission received $300,000 towards creating and administrating this second round of the WCREP, according to a news release. The awards will range from $10,000 to $250,000. The request for proposals is available on the Commission's website, www.windhamregional.org/energy, with the application period closing on Nov. 6.
Per CEDF policy, the funds will be awarded to renewable-energy generation installations rather than efficiency projects and feasibility studies. Award selection will be recommended by the WRC Energy Committee and approved by the Executive Board. The grant program priorities are as follows:
• Projects sited on municipally owned or controlled properties that benefit the municipality as a whole.
• Neighborhood or community-scale projects.
• Projects that promote economic development in Windham County.
• Projects that have high creativity or educational value.
• Projects utilizing heavily-impacted sites.
• Projects that benefit underserved communities or groups.
• Projects that utilize local installers.
The program was developed by the WRC's Energy Committee with public outreach and input. The first round of funding resulted in 12 applications with total requested funds exceeding $1 million.
WRC selected five projects that best fit program priorities and that are currently being installed across Windham County, with one already completed.
“We look forward to receiving another wide range of proposals with this round,” says Marion Major, WRC energy planner and program coordinator. “The program was intentionally designed to support a diverse group of projects to help fuel the county's green energy economy.”
All qualifying projects require a 50 percent cash match and are expected to be financially viable and sustainable.