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Blittersdorf featured on National Public Radios Living on Earth
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Burlington, VT-Charlotte resident David Blittersdorf will be featured on National Public Radio's Living On Earth program for his wind- and solar-powered home energy system. In Vermont, listeners can tune in to Vermont Public Radio and hear the program featuring Blittersdorf Monday, May 7 from 7 to 8 pm.
Living On Earth is a weekly environmental news and information program distributed by National Public Radio and aired on more than 230 radio stations nationwide. The program, now in its eighth year, is carried on the following frequencies around the state: 107.9-FM in Burlington; 89.5-FM in Windsor; 88.7-FM in Rutland; 88.5-FM St. Johnsbury; 94.3-FM Bennington.
Blittersdorf's 15-kilowatt wind/solar system can provide all of his family of four's electricity needs and virtually eliminates the need to buy electricity from his local electric utility. The system is also approved for net metering, which means he can sell any excess power his system generates back to his electric utility. His average monthly electric bill payment of $120 has dropped to nearly $0.
Blittersdorf hopes his home energy system will serve as a model to other home and business owners who are concerned about rising electricity, oil and natural gas prices and want to protect the environment. According to Blittersdorf, however, the upfront costs on these systems are still too high for many people.
"The technology is ready and practical for applications large and small," said Blittersdorf. "But we really need tax credits to move the market…If our legislators were to put incentives in place like other states have, renewable energy systems could become commonplace for homes, farms and businesses around the state."
Unlike power plants that rely on fossil fuels (like coal, oil or natural gas), wind- and solar-powered systems are non-polluting and have no fuel risk-their only fuel source comes from Mother Nature. This means renewable energy systems are far less likely to be affected by price spikes and supply problems plaguing the electric utility industry in California.
"Not only can people feel more secure about having a reliable electric supply for their homes and businesses, they can also feel good about helping to clean up our environment using these non-polluting sources of energy," said Blittersdorf.
Blittersdorf's company, NRG Systems, Inc., designs and manufactures wind energy measurement systems. In June, Blittersdorf will be named president of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the industry's national trade organization. In addition to his role with AWEA, Blittersdorf is also chair of Renewable Energy Vermont (REV). REV is a non-profit association working to strengthen renewable energy policies in Vermont.
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