Board reviews stakeholder outreach for LMI solar pilot, cites weatherization pipeline and outreach strategies
November 19, 2021 | Virginia Department of Energy, Executive Agencies, Executive, Virginia
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The advisory board reviewed results of stakeholder outreach for a proposed low- and moderate-income (LMI) solar pilot, focusing on household counts from weatherization providers and options for local marketing and installer engagement.
Carrie summarized outreach compiled by Janica Casper, reporting single-family households served since Feb. 2016 in five focus communities: Augusta County (Community Housing Partners) 133 households; Wise County (Appalachian Community Action) 44; Shenandoah County 36; Waynesboro 26; and Franklin 7. Carrie and Janica emphasized these figures reflect contact with weatherization providers, not homeowner interest, and that some data (for example Project Homes in Franklin) go back only to 2019.
Janica cautioned the dataset does not establish roof viability for solar: "you have no concept of the viability of the roof structures or the shading," she said, noting weatherization records only indicate a household received services and that roof condition may have changed since earlier work. The group discussed that weatherization programs historically could only use LIHEAP or DOE funds for roof repairs, while utility programs may now fund replacements.
Tony Ostrowski described conversations with the Wise County Housing Authority, saying local residents "are just beginning to grasp the benefits of solar energy" and that social media—especially Facebook—was the most effective local channel for outreach because local newspapers have limited reach. He said the housing authority and local electric companies could help distribute notices and connect the board with local installers.
Casey Blythe and others reported having spoken with local installers and municipal staff. Casey relayed advice from Russ Edwards of All Energy to prioritize "vertical integration" and local installers to improve long-term maintenance and service. Waynesboro staff indicated willingness to support marketing via social media, housing authorities and downtown associations, and to explore fast-track permitting and fee waivers.
Board members identified gaps to fill: outreach to Franklin Municipal Power and Light and Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative remained outstanding, and members volunteered to follow up. The board debated whether to concentrate pilot outreach in 2–3 localities for manageability or expand to about five communities given budget expansion; staff signaled a balance between targeted acquisition and statewide accessibility will guide final choices.
Next steps include consolidating outreach data on the shared spreadsheet, following up with outstanding utility contacts, and refining targeted residential outreach strategies (including partner organizations such as Appalachian Voices and Solar United Neighbors) ahead of the RFP process.
Carrie summarized outreach compiled by Janica Casper, reporting single-family households served since Feb. 2016 in five focus communities: Augusta County (Community Housing Partners) 133 households; Wise County (Appalachian Community Action) 44; Shenandoah County 36; Waynesboro 26; and Franklin 7. Carrie and Janica emphasized these figures reflect contact with weatherization providers, not homeowner interest, and that some data (for example Project Homes in Franklin) go back only to 2019.
Janica cautioned the dataset does not establish roof viability for solar: "you have no concept of the viability of the roof structures or the shading," she said, noting weatherization records only indicate a household received services and that roof condition may have changed since earlier work. The group discussed that weatherization programs historically could only use LIHEAP or DOE funds for roof repairs, while utility programs may now fund replacements.
Tony Ostrowski described conversations with the Wise County Housing Authority, saying local residents "are just beginning to grasp the benefits of solar energy" and that social media—especially Facebook—was the most effective local channel for outreach because local newspapers have limited reach. He said the housing authority and local electric companies could help distribute notices and connect the board with local installers.
Casey Blythe and others reported having spoken with local installers and municipal staff. Casey relayed advice from Russ Edwards of All Energy to prioritize "vertical integration" and local installers to improve long-term maintenance and service. Waynesboro staff indicated willingness to support marketing via social media, housing authorities and downtown associations, and to explore fast-track permitting and fee waivers.
Board members identified gaps to fill: outreach to Franklin Municipal Power and Light and Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative remained outstanding, and members volunteered to follow up. The board debated whether to concentrate pilot outreach in 2–3 localities for manageability or expand to about five communities given budget expansion; staff signaled a balance between targeted acquisition and statewide accessibility will guide final choices.
Next steps include consolidating outreach data on the shared spreadsheet, following up with outstanding utility contacts, and refining targeted residential outreach strategies (including partner organizations such as Appalachian Voices and Solar United Neighbors) ahead of the RFP process.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
