the town of

The Dummerston Energy Committee (DEC) supports the town and its residents in monitoring locally important energy developments and promoting energy conservation, efficiency and increased use of renewable resources.  Using education, projects and advocacy, DEC will help Dummerston reduce its reliance on polluting forms of energy and achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

DEC Committee Members

Carey BrauntBill ConleyChris DerbyDiana Lischer-Goodband

Mark StelloRuth Unsicker, ScribeSuzanne WeinbergAlex Wilson

 

Energy saving resources:

Vermont RideShare - www.VermontRideShare.org Renewable Energy Vermont - www.revermont.org (solar, wind projects) Efficiency Vermont - www.EfficiencyVermont.org (home and business energy savings)       Energy Star - www.energystar.gov

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency: (IRS form 5695) 

Home Improvements: 

•         Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements including adding insulation, replacement windows, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment.  The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $500 during the two year period of the tax credit.  This tax credit applies to improvements made to your primary residence from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.

Efficient Cars:

•         Tax credits are available to buyers of hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles.  The tax credit amount is based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models.  These credits are available for vehicles placed in service starting January 1, 2006.  For hybrid and diesel vehicles made by each manufacturer, the credit will be phased out over 15 months starting after that manufacturer has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles.  For vehicles made by manufacturers that have not reached the end of the phase-out, the credits will end for vehicles placed in service after December 31, 2010.
(See the IRS Website for updated information.)

Solar Energy Systems:

•         Tax credits are available for qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems.  The credits are available for systems "placed in service" from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.  The tax credit is for 30% of the cost of the system, up to $2,000.  This credit is not limited to the $500 home improvement cap.

Fuel Cells:

•         There is a consumer tax credit of up to 30% of the cost (up to $500 per 0.5kW of capacity maximum) for installing a "qualified" fuel cell and micro turbine systems.  The credits are available for systems "placed in service" from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.  This credit is not limited to the $500 home improvement cap.

Tax Credits for Home Builders: (IRS Form 8908)

•         Home builders are eligible for a $2,000 tax credit for a new energy efficient home that achieves 50% energy savings for heating and cooling over the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and supplements.  At least 1/5 of the energy savings must come from building envelope improvements.