RESOURCE: TENs in Town Plans
Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) are shared infrastructure that our towns can use to create multiple local benefits in the same way that they provide water and sewer. As with other municipal services, we’ll have greater success if we advance TENs with our community through the town planning process.
By including TENs in town planning:
We give TENs a significant place in our community’s vision and goals.
We demonstrate how TENs can help achieve a range of local priorities.
We specify actions our town can take to implement TENs.
We also raise awareness and expand the conversation among municipal officials, committees, and local leaders.
The two guides below can help you and your town incorporate TENs into your town plan. With the push to develop housing in village centers, there's never been a better time for our communities to integrate TENs into local planning.
The Quick Start Guide presents the three highest priority steps any town can take:
Add a standard definition of TENs to your utility and facility chapter.
Include at least one TEN action item to your town plan.
Define and permit TENs in your zoning bylaws.
Towns that are ready for more can use TENs in Town Plans to incorporate TENs in each of the twelve required elements of a Vermont town plan—from land use and energy to housing, economic development, and resilience.
This simple booklet includes practical guidance, key considerations, and ready-to-use example language that can be copied directly or adapted into your plan.
Whether your town is just starting to think about TENs or is already exploring a project, these resources make it easy to put TENs on the table and support your work to bring the benefits of TENs to your community.
Please share www.vctn.org/tens-planning with your town and other local leaders.
Questions? Contact info@vctn.org.