2020 LEAP Projects

Here’s a sample of LEAP’s 2020 activities: 

  • On January 28, we hosted the LEAP Film Fest as part of Waterbury Winterfest.  Almost 50 people came out to see 15 inspiring films from 8 different countries  regarding a variety of renewable energy and energy efficiency topics. A quick 2-minute discussion with the audience members followed each film. People commented on what inspired them, surprised them, or a thought that the film sparked. LEAP served popcorn, cookies and drinks, with all proceeds going to Winterfest.

  • On Saturday, April 18, we were scheduled to hold the 14th LEAP Energy Fair. By March 15, we had already booked many of the 75 exhibitors, including experts in solar power, heat pumps, weatherization, green building, electric vehicles, pellet stoves, biomass, and many other topics. We were expecting more than 700 visitors.  And then COVID arrived, and we cancelled the event.

  • Each year Waterbury in Motion (a LEAP program) helps organize two Walk & Bike to School Days with TBPS and CBMS.  Typically, 200+ children and adults gathered at Rusty Parker Park participate in each event. Both were cancelled this year.

  • Almost every year we host a LEAP Electric Vehicle Fest. The event takes place at Crossett Brook Middle School with electric vehicle exhibits, speakers in the cafeteria, and the opportunity for attendees to tour 15+ electric vehicles outside. 
    Due to COVID, this year we held the event as a webinar instead. In conjunction with Drive Electric Vermont, we hosted the webinar on May 20. More than 120 people registered to hear Dave Roberts from Drive Electric Vermont, as well from as some electric vehicle owners who talked about their experiences owning EVs, how much the cars cost, and how much money and fuel the owners are saving.  You can watch a recording of the seminar at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmFJ4Pkcn8&feature=youtu.be‍ ‍

  • During 2020, LEAP wrote some articles to help share information on ways local residents can reduce their energy usage and save money. We published them in the Waterbury Roundabout and broadcasted them on WDEV.

  • Waterbury LEAP members assisted the Planning Commission in the writing of the Waterbury Town Plan. The plan was adopted at the end of 2018, and it included 52 Action Items that it was recommended the town pursue.  At the 2020 Town Meeting, residents voted to create a committee to help carry out those action items. TheWaterbury Energy Plan Committee was created with 10 representatives from the Select Board, the Planning Commission, Revitalizing Waterbury, EFUD, Efficiency Vermont, Waterbury LEAP, and the community. LEAP’s Duncan McDougall serves as the committee’s chair.  The group meets quarterly.

  • For many years LEAP has participated in Efficiency Vermont’s Button Up Weatherization Program. Usually, we hold a seminar at the Steele Room in the Municipal Complex. This year, the program was all virtual, and LEAP shared information with the community about seminars, incentives, and the opportunity for free ‘virtual walk-through audits.’