Williston enjoys a low overall energy burden rating, but we're committed to prioritizing those who are most energy burdened and are well-informed about ways to decarbonize and make their homes more energy efficient and how to fund those measures.
Chapter 11
Energy And Climate Resilience
Introduction
The planet is facing a climate crisis, and the impacts of climate change will increasingly become a matter of public safety and economic prosperity as extreme weather events occur with greater frequency and intensity. Looking towards the future, action must take place at all levels to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that result from the use of fossil fuels and to mitigate its impacts. To meet these challenges, towns need to design and implement plans that ensure safe, sustainable, and thriving communities in the context of a changing climate and energy landscape.
The 2025 Williston Energy Plan is a standalone document that is incorporated by reference into this Town Plan and summarized in this chapter. The Energy Plan was developed in accordance with the Vermont Department of Public Service's energy planning standards and in alignment with the goals outlined by the 2022 Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP). The Energy Committee developed the energy plan with input from Sustainable Williston, guidance from town staff and Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) staff, and oversight from the Planning Commission. The Plan provides direction for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by focusing attention on five key areas: 1) transportation and land use, 2) building energy usage, 3) recycling and consumption, 4) renewable energy generation, and 5) agriculture.
Within each major focus area, the plan articulates measurable goals the town aims to achieve, outlines objectives to achieve said goals, identifies pathways that list the responsible entities, and suggests a timeline for task completion.
The energy profile for Williston (pages 7-13 of the Energy Plan) provides an estimate of current energy consumption in the heating, electricity, and transportation sectors. These estimates are provided to better understand where the town is currently with respect to Vermont's energy goals.
The Energy Plan (pages 13-20) also provides a picture of estimated future energy targets that need to be met for Williston to achieve the goal of 90% renewable energy by 2050. To achieve these targets, multiple strategies and actions are proposed.
Goals: In 2050, Williston is...
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Livable
...because Williston is a community powered by renewable, locally produced and owned energy, fed by local farms, housed in energy efficient homes heated without fossil fuels, transported by biking and walking, electric cars and buses, all sustained by a vibrant, local economy and social network. Everyone in Williston lives in a healthy, safe and comfortable home, and no one spends more than 6% (threshold above which is considered "energy burdened") of their income on energy bills.
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Resilient
Williston is primarily powered by renewable, locally produced and owned energy, it is resilient to fluctuations in global energy supply and prices. Because local farms supply a substantial part of the local food supply, the town is resilient to fluctuations in global food supply and prices. Because the town's robust public transit system and expansive, well-connected network of paths and trails provides viable alternatives to driving a car, the roads are less congested and carbon emissions and other pollutants are greatly reduced, and the community is active and healthy.
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Equitable
...because the Town of Williston centers equity in the implementation of all pathways towards achieving the town's energy and climate resiliency goals. A key guiding principle of the Vermont Climate Action Plan is to prioritize the most impacted first. Those most impacted by rising energy costs and climate change are households with high energy to income ratios, referred to as "energy burdens." Most often this includes lower-income households, many renters and people who work in Williston at lower wage occupations but cannot afford to live in town thus relying more on car transportation. All implementation pathways prioritize those with high energy burdens, incorporate consideration of possible unintended negative impacts on this population and mitigate those impacts. Those who are most impacted by energy burden and climate change have a voice in decision making while the town plans the transition to a clean energy future and receive a share of benefits.
Three Things to Know
1
BOLD ACTION IS REQUIRED TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS
Including moving the town away from use of fossil fuels toward renewable energy, reducing consumption of energy and materials, and increasing conservation measures.
2
WILLISTON'S 2020 ENERGY PLAN WAS AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE
The development of 2020 Williston Energy Plan was the first time the town attempted to develop a comprehensive document putting forth goals, strategies and actions to reduce carbon emissions in alignment with those outlined by the 2016 State of Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP).
3
WILLISTON NEEDS TO DO MORE AT A FASTER PACE TO ACHIEVE ITS STATED ENERGY AND CLIMATE GOALS.
Williston needs to begin making progress to electrify its fleet and needs to implement measures to decarbonize and increase the energy efficiency of town buildings.
Three Things Public Engagement Told Us
1
PEOPLE VALUE WILLISTON'S INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY.
The town owns two solar arrays that produce a combined total of 314 megawatts annually, enough energy to offset 74% of electricity used in town buildings.
2
THE TOWN SHOULD BE DOING MORE.
When asked what the town's priorities should be to address energy and climate challenges, 44% of respondents stated that the greatest town priority for Williston's energy and environment is in addressing renewable energy and energy efficiency. This includes encouraging more solar and clean energy, more available electric vehicle charging stations, and shifting away from fossil fuels.
3
THERE IS SOME SUPPORT FOR FUNDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY THROUGH PROPERTY TAXES.
When asked whether they would support the town's investments in energy efficiency and solar generation, even if it results in an increase in taxes, 44% agreed, 31% disagreed, and 25% were neutral.
Bold Action is Required to Address Climate Change Impacts
While the State has set goals for 2050 through the 2022 Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP), the August 2018 report of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that, "we must switch from fossil fuels to renewable, non-carbon-based energy sources by 2030 to avoid a 1.5 degree increase in global temperature; a change which is projected to cause catastrophic risks to human systems." Bold action at the local level is required to address these challenges, including moving the town away from use of fossil fuels toward renewable energy, reducing consumption of energy and materials, and increasing conservation measures to minimize Williston's impact on climate change. In addition to environmental concerns caused by severe weather events (floods, heatwaves, storms), climate change has significant negative impacts on public health and safety, food security, transportation and mobility, and political and economic stability. Therefore, addressing climate change requires our collective attention and resources on a similar scale, at the very least, to other Town public safety priorities.
Williston's 2020 Energy Plan was an important first step to address climate change
The 2020 Williston Energy Plan was developed in accordance with the Vermont Department of Public Service's energy planning standards and was the first time the town attempted to develop a comprehensive document putting forth goals, strategies and actions to reduce carbon emissions in alignment with those outlined by the 2016 State of Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP). The Energy Plan's purpose is to provide a direction and framework for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by focusing on five key areas: 1) transportation and land use 2) building energy usage 3) recycling and consumption 4) renewable energy generation and 5) agriculture.
This plan has several functions:
• It is a stand-alone document and a supplement to the Williston Comprehensive Plan
• It is a plan to help Williston achieve the goals of the state Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP) at the local level
• It is a plan to obtain a "determination of energy compliance" from the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) that will assure the plan will receive "substantial deference" when siting renewable energy projects within the town.
Williston has begun implementing actions in the Energy Plan but needs to do more at a faster pace to achieve its stated energy and climate goals.
Since the adoption of the Energy Plan, the town has taken these steps:
• The Selectboard established an Energy Committee in January 2022.
• The town added the position of Energy and Community Development Planner to the Planning Department in May 2022. Energy Planning represents 50% of the position.
• The town has secured over $100,000 in grants for energy projects, not including invaluable technical assistance
• As of 2024, 368 EVs/PHEVs have been registered in Williston
• As of 2024, 545 (12%) of Williston homes have been weatherized, 1,300 heat pumps have been installed (28% of homes), and 114 heat pump water heaters have been installed (2.6% of homes).
• Since the 2010 Energy Audits were done, the town has weatherized the Town Hall, Town Hall Annex, Library and Old Brick Church, and has done a comprehensive lighting retrofit of the Town Hall.
• The town owns two solar arrays that together produce > 300 MW of electricity annually, enough to supply 75% of the electricity used in municipal buildings.
• The Energy Committee coordinates an annual Energy Fair, which features an electric vehicle display along with vendors in the energy conservation, solar installation, and home weatherization sectors.
• The Energy Committee engages in energy education activities including:
o Writing articles for the monthly Williston Observer Living Green series.
o Publishing information about energy usage in town buildings as part of the Town's Annual Report and on the Energy Committee website.
o Conducting outreach at farmers markets and town events with information on EVs, weatherization, energy efficiency and solar generation.
• Energy Committee identified high-priority locations for EV chargers in Williston and the town installed a pilot EV charging station at the Village Park in 2024.
• Using a Department of Energy grant and town funding, the town purchased two new electric riding mowers for the Department of Public Works and the Recreation Department.
Conversely, the town has not purchased any electric vehicles to date, and in that area is falling way behind the progress of neighboring municipalities. For example, Burlington has over 80 electric vehicles in its fleet, including several police cruisers, fire, public works, and recreation department vehicles. South Burlington has a few hybrid police cruisers and several EVs used by other town departments. Richmond purchased an electric police cruiser, and the Town of Shelburne is partnering with Car Share Vermont to pilot an EV for town and public use. Williston needs to make progress in electrifying its fleet.
Similarly, the town has yet to transition any of its buildings' HVAC systems from fossil fuel (gas) to electric heat pumps. Nor has the town taken steps to replace outdated fluorescent lighting in the Police Station, Fire Station, Town Hall Annex and Library with LED lighting, which would greatly reduce electricity usage, reduce peak loads and save the town money over the long term. The town needs to take the lead in decarbonization and energy efficiency efforts.
If the town intends to achieve the goals as stated in its adopted Energy Plan, it needs to take bold action starting now. The following Objectives, Strategies and Actions provide a roadmap for the Town to achieve the energy targets as described in the Energy Plan.
Objectives, Strategies and Actions
Objectives
11.A
11.B
The town administration and staff are well-informed about funding opportunities and changes to state and federal policies as they relate to energy plan goals and objectives.
11.C
The town's land-use policies embrace smart and sustainable growth.
11.D
By 2050, Williston has made substantial progress on its energy and climate goals: - Per-capita energy consumption has been reduced by more than a third. - Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 80% below 1990 levels. - The amount of renewable energy generation has doubled from 2015 levels. - 90% of homes and 50% of commercial buildings have been weatherized. - 98% of light-duty vehicles in Williston are electric. - 100% of the light-duty vehicles in the municipal fleet are electric. - 96% of heavy-duty municipal vehicles are fueled with renewable resources. - 95% of homes are equipped with cold climate heat pumps.
11.E
Public transit is frequent and reliable enough to be a viable alternative to driving a car.
11.F
The town's multimodal network is fully connected, making it safe to walk and bike as a regular means of transportation.
Strategies
11.1
Partner with others such as Drive Electric Vermont to conduct outreach related to electric vehicles, with the goal to increase the rate of EV adoption.
11.1.1
Develop plans for high-visibility events where people can see Electric Vehicles (EVs), such as energy fairs and other community events.
11.1.2
Develop outreach campaign to promote resources such as Drive Electric Vermont, Green Mountain Power and Vermont Electric Cooperative websites, which connect users to financial incentives, dealers, and charging stations for EVs.
11.1.3
Maintain facilitation and promotion of the EV Ambassador program by regularly posting on Front Porch Forum and other media to solicit new Ambassadors and to publicize the program to potential electric vehicle purchasers.
11.2
Work to expand the number of publicly available EV chargers in Williston.
11.2.1
Support the installation of additional EV chargers where they are needed, partnering with developers and leveraging all available local, state, federal and private funding sources.
11.2.2
Support local utilities, Drive Electric Vermont, Vermont Clean Communities Coalition, and other organizations to promote the expansion of workplace charging, which would provide a convenient and consistently available charging location for people who are not able to charge at home.
11.2.3
Maintain support for and incentivize the installation of EV chargers in development standards.
11.2.4
Develop standards for EV charging in new developments.
11.3
Electrify the town light-duty vehicle fleet.
11.3.1
Implement the recommended steps in the (pending) VEIC Fleet Electrification Plan, which will establish a schedule to replace current town vehicles with EVs.
11.3.2
Support Car Share Vermont to pilot an electric vehicle for use by town staff and the public, as a way to test EVs out and become comfortable with them.
11.3.3
Implement installation of the recommended number of Level 2 EV chargers to support town fleet electrification.
11.3.4
Develop a plan to leverage all available local, state, federal and private funding sources to replace town vehicles at the end of their useful life with electric vehicles.
11.3.5
Evaluate adopting a policy requiring an alternatives analysis for the purchase of new light-duty vehicles, to be prepared by department heads in conjunction with the Capital Budget. This analysis should include a comparison of the upfront and lifecycle costs of conventional and electric vehicles and should explore available leasing and purchasing options.
11.4
Support further expansion and improvement of public transit and provide greater connectivity between public transit, park-and-ride locations and places of work.
11.4.1
Develop local park and ride spaces in the Village (Town Hall) and in the town-owned parcel in Maple Tree Place (MTP).
11.4.2
Support Green Mountain Transit (GMT), Chittenden County municipalities and other entities in creating a diverse mobility solution, such as micro transit, to connect the residential areas of Williston to the Taft Corners commercial area.
11.4.3
Develop a mobility hub on the MTP town-owned parcel.
11.5
Encourage transit use, telecommuting, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, and biking for town employees' commute trips.
11.5.1
Evaluate becoming a member of Chittenden Area Transportation Management Association (CATMA). Partner with CATMA to conduct outreach to local businesses on the adoption of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) policies.
11.5.2
Develop policies to encourage bike commuting, carpooling, etc. for Town Staff.
11.6
Support and encourage walking and biking to school. Work to close the gaps in the multimodal network, starting with areas walkable to the schools.
11.7
The Town should take steps to decarbonize and improve the energy efficiency of municipal buildings.
11.7.2
Implement the recommended measures in the Fire Station and Police Station building assessments.
11.7.3
Evaluate feasibility of capturing wastewater heat recovery, adding turbines for net-metering, and working with EVT on flexible load management to reduce electricity demand and cost.
11.7.4
Develop a plan for other town buildings and budget for implementation measures to be included in the town's capital improvement program.
11.7.5
Develop plan to phase out the use of fossil fuel powered equipment by replacing it with electric powered equipment at the end of existing equipment's lifecycle.
11.8
The town should develop sustainable means of funding renewable energy, electrification and energy conservation projects.
11.8.1
Develop an internal (municipal) revolving loan program to fund renewable energy, electrification and energy conservation projects. Return a portion of energy.
11.8.2
Develop plan to leverage town funds with all other available sources of funding including grants, rebates and tax credits.
11.9
Support and encourage residents and business owners to weatherize and decarbonize their homes/businesses. Prioritize those who are most energy burdened.
11.9.1
Support partners such as Efficiency Vermont to conduct outreach and offer educational resources about ways to fund energy efficiency and electrification measures.
11.9.2
Maintain hosting an annual Energy Fair that brings together vendors, partners, and EV Ambassadors to showcase EVs, electric lawn equipment, the latest heat pump technologies and other resources related to weatherization and electrification measures.
11.9.3
Develop schedule for pop-up events periodically in conjunction with town events and farmers markets to share information about energy conservation and electrification strategies.
11.9.4
Develop and distribute free Energy Saving Kits and materials to those who need them and leverage these opportunities to build trust in the community, to encourage community members to seek information and assistance from the Committee and Energy Planner on how to reduce energy burdens. Where practicable, meet people where they are.
11.9.5
Maintain organization of workshops and/or building walk-throughs highlighting demonstration projects completed by residents, businesses, the Town or the State.
11.10
Continue to implement land-use policies that embrace smart and sustainable growth.
11.10.1
Maintain policy to pursue a land use and transportation strategy centered on mixed-use, compact development in the town's Growth Center.
11.10.2
Maintain policy to support the development of high-intensity land uses within the town's designated Growth Center to result in a compact development pattern that supports and encourages driving fewer miles, the use of transit, ride-sharing, and active forms of transportation like bicycling and walking.
11.10.3
Maintain promotion of green infrastructure practices in development standards to reduce local temperatures and shade sidewalks and building surfaces.
11.11
The town should increase its renewable energy production, and pair with battery storage.
11.11.1
Evaluate opportunities to install new solar arrays on preferred sites – meaning rooftops and parking lot solar canopies.
11.11.2
Evaluate opportunities to pair renewable energy generation with electrical energy storage to ensure energy is maximally utilized to the fullest potential, to increase resilience/reliability of electrical system during outages and decrease fossil fuel usage during peak periods.
11.11.3
Develop a site feasibility analysis for installing a rooftop solar array and storage at the Fire Station.
11.11.4
Evaluate feasibility for rooftop solar arrays at school buildings in collaboration with CVSD.
11.11.5
Fund grants, local funds and tax credits to construct new solar arrays where it is feasible.
11.11.6
Evaluate the feasibility and cost of establishing microgrids for the Town's critical infrastructure (such as emergency shelters) so as to allow continued operations during outages and storms while reducing carbon emissions.
11.12
Encourage and support new solar arrays and community solar in Williston.
11.12.1
Develop outreach plan for available funding resources and/or programs for private solar installations.
11.12.2
Develop outreach plan regarding community solar programs for properties at which the installation of a solar array is not feasible due to site or other constraints.
11.13
Support the development of geothermal networks where it makes the most sense, such as in the Growth Center where there are a mix of commercial and residential uses near each other.
11.13.1
Evaluate the feasibility of incorporating geothermal network into new development in partnership with property owners and other partners such as VGS.
11.13.2
Evaluate avenues of funding a geothermal network if determined feasible.