Net Zero Energy Podcast

Join Jigar Shah, co-founder of Multiplier and former DOE Loan Program Office Director, and Navneet Trivedi, co-founder of Vrinda, as they discuss Vermont’s path to a sustainable future. Explore the transition from pilot programs to full-scale electrification during this global energy crisis. Learn why financing solutions and battery storage are critical for Burlington residents, including renters. Our experts break down how local innovation can stabilize energy rates and increase grid resiliency. Discover how we can move beyond fossil fuels today.

Much of Vermont’s housing stock is old and needs weatherization. Weatherization makes homes less expensive to heat and cool and makes them more comfortable. It is essential in electrifying our housing on our path to Net Zero Energy. Mia Watson, Special Programs Manager for Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), and Tina Lesem, a participant in the Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program (WRAP), join us to talk about the programs available to Vermont residents.

WindowDressers makes insulating homes affordable and community oriented. Their low-cost insulating window inserts that function as custom, interior-mounted storm windows are assembled by volunteers all over northern New England including a group here in Burlington. Our guests Damon Lane and Karen Bates have volunteered with WindowDressers and talk about why this is such a great solution for Vermonters at all income levels.

Peter Sterling, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Vermont (REV), joins us to talk about the challenges and opportunities we face to meet Vermont’s Renewable Energy Standard. REV aims to make these goals attainable while keeping an eye on affordability and equity for all Vermonters.

Heather Ferrell, Burlington City Arts’ (BCA) Curator and Director of Exhibitions, joins us today to talk about the upcoming Human Impact: Contemporary Art and Our Environment exhibit that runs from March 13to June 20, 2026. Human Impact focuses on the pressing issues facing the natural environment of New England and the global world. Featuring a group of national and internationally recognized artists, the exhibit examines our shifting perspectives and connection with the land during a time of dramatic ecological change and human advancement.

Dwight DeCoster is Program Manager for Champlain Valley Weatherization with the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO). The organization offers homeowners AND renters weatherization services to improve home energy efficiency and comfort, and to decrease heating bills at little or no cost to qualifying residents.

Laurie Fielder is the Vice President of Green Lending at EastRise, a credit union with offices in Burlington, South Burlington, Williston, and throughout the state. Laurie talks about the ways customers can get competitive rates on special loans for making your home more energy efficient and using less fossil fuel from EastRise and other banks in Vermont

Cara Robechek, Deputy Director and Network Manager for Energy Action Network, shares the findings in this year’s 2025 Annual Progress Report for Vermont on Energy, Affordability, and Emissions. The report provides an in-depth analysis of where Vermont stands relative to its climate commitments and energy goals. This year’s report highlights the theme of affordability.

Alicia Taylor, Director of Community Engagement at CarShare Vermont, shares her family’s journey to being car-free. She, her husband, and two kids have found many benefits in making the switch.

Executive Director for VEEP and NHEEP Sophia Donforth returns to the podcast to share her experiences over the last 4 years and the many great energy education services offered to schools by the organization in Vermont and New Hampshire.