Solar Energy Barn Rasing - a concept borrowed from times past - Barn Rasing - a New England tradition of cooperation. "In a world run by oil, with the US borrowing money from China to buy oil from hostile countries, to run this country and pollute the world is no longer acceptable!" -Al Gore.

We have all witnessed dramatic increases in heating oil prices and increased awareness of how leaky our homes and businesses are. Global climate change has brought instability and volatility to all non-renewal energy prices. In addition to changing your light bulbs, driving a hybrid, recycling, what more can you do?

To address these concerns and provide some answers, PEC has offered several successful weatherization workshops, a solar home tour, a no idling campaign and green bike project.  However, we realize that more can be done. PEC and other energy group members have wanted to find a way that we might all work together to increase the impact of the work we do. While several energy groups offer member-to-member solar hot water installations, this is a complicated process, and installing anything in homes requires a level of professionalism, experience and insurance not usually available to ad hoc energy groups. To this end, a group of us have created a new company called Energy Conservation Services, L3C. L3C's are quasi not-for-profit entities that allow great flexibility for raising capitol.

ECS is composed of a network of like-minded green contractors, solar installers and energy conservation enthusiasts. Each affiliate member of ECS offers unique services and products, and in turn is enhanced by being part of a larger company.
ECS and it's members will:
Work with closely homeowners and local businesses to save energy and money. 
Work directly with Renewable Energy Vermont to ensure our clients receive the highest level of service. 
Work with Efficiency Vermont as partners to insure our customers receive the best financial outcome.  
Work with SEVCA in an effort to create as many good, local jobs as possible.
Work with local and state governments to provide low cost loans and creative financing options for your renewable energy and weatherization projects.

One immediate result of the work to create the ECS network, is the expansion and inclusion of Dick Cartelli's long-established weatherization business - The Draft Detective. The new company - renamed to The Draft Detectivesis now a member of the growing ECS network.  The Draft Detectives are ready to help you now!

Phone: 802-451-1904   Email: info@TheDraftDetectives.com    on the Web: www.TheDraftDetectives.com

Another new ECS member is Thomas Mcloughlin LLC – Tom provides impressive window restoration services.  You may not need to replace those ageing windows (spending a fortune) and can preserve and enhance the existing windows you have with new seals and sashes. You can reach him directly at (802) 254 9370.

Here is how the weatherization process works:
ECS (affiliates) can provide energy audits to businesses and homes; the charge is $400.00 for the audit with a $100 deposit and the balance payable on receipt of the audit report. * If you're a GMP customer see below

An audit takes 2 - 3 hours on-site and consists of the following activities:

·    Blower door testing and air infiltration assessment

·    Heating system assessment with optional furnace efficiency & combustion testing

·    Window and Door assessment

·    IR (Infrared heat loss) detection

·     Moisture assessment

With the audit information, we produce a comprehensive report, which includes:

·    General information regarding the thermal dynamics occurring in the home during the heating season

·    The results of all the tests

·    A prioritized weatherization plan

·    Recommendations and an estimate for the work.

·    Additional INFORMATION includes an ROI (return on investment) chart and a glossary of terms in the report.

There is a range of rebate and financing opportunities are available through Efficiency Vermont to help pay for the work.  We will help you determine what resources you qualify for.  Once you decide to address the issues in the report we offer senior discounts and a 10% rebate of the audit cost once we have completed the work in addition to any rebates available.

* If you are a GMP customer, you can receive a $400 rebate for the cost of an energy audit, and up to $2500 off (1/3^{rd the cost}) of a completed weatherization improvement project. 

If you are a Putney resident – we are working on a creative financing option, please contact us.

I can be reached by email at Daniel@putney.net or phone 802 387 2521 and can help schedule an energy audit for you or let you know about the other services ECS is offering. 

–Daniel Hoviss