Municipalities are being encouraged to transition away from fossil fuels through a series of recommended energy efficiency upgrades, as discussed in a recent government meeting. Key strategies include the adoption of various heat pump technologies, such as geothermal and ducted systems, which are seen as effective alternatives to traditional heating methods.

The meeting highlighted the importance of energy-efficient upgrades, including the installation of LED lighting and the replacement of outdated windows, although the latter may be limited by historic preservation regulations. Participants noted that while window replacements can be costly, they do not always yield significant energy savings.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage were also emphasized, despite their high average installation cost of over $120,000. The discussion revealed that the average cost data was derived from 27 regional reports, indicating a comprehensive assessment of local energy needs.

In addition to these measures, municipalities are being urged to enhance their infrastructure with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, which may necessitate electrical panel upgrades. Other recommendations included upgrading water faucets, replacing hot water heaters with heat pump models, and installing energy-efficient appliances.

To support these initiatives, towns can apply for grants of up to $500,000 for efficiency upgrades, with a total funding pool of $36 million available. However, the grant process will be competitive, contrasting with previous funding opportunities that were more straightforward. Currently, over 200 municipalities are engaged in energy efficiency efforts, although many are not seeking the maximum grant amount.

The meeting concluded with a call for municipalities to take advantage of these funding opportunities to enhance their energy resilience and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.