Through a grant from the Vermont Department of Public Service, VGS is able to offer the Switch & Save program for the purchase and installation of heat pump water heaters for existing VGS customers and qualifying households within our service territory using the map below. We’ve partnered with participating contractors to handle the installation and receive the incentive payments from VGS, which will leave customers with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
Customers with annual household income less than 120 percent of Vermont’s area median income will be eligible for the Switch & Save program. Households earning less than 80 percent of area median income will receive 100% of the equipment and installation costs up to a program cap of $5,000 per household. Households earning less than 120 percent of area median income will receive 90% of the equipment and installation costs up to program caps. Program details and eligibility are outlined below.
Program Incentive Levels Based on Household Income
| Tank Sizes | Households at Less than 80% of Area Median Income | Households at Less than 120% of Area Median Income | Estimated Annual Energy Costs ** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 gallon or 65 gallon (depending on size of household) | Free heat pump water heater + installation (up to $5,000 cap)** | Responsible for 10% of the cost of heat pump water heater + installation | $174 |
** Additional costs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
*** Estimated annual electric utility costs based on heating water for a typical family. Family size, gallons-per-day, temperature rise, and energy factor values are all adjustable. Actual performance may vary.
Qualifying Area Median Income (AMI) Levels for Number of People in Household
| County | Income Level | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6+ People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chittenden & Franklin | 80% AMI | $63,650 | $72,700 | $81,800 | $90,350 | $98,150 | $105,400 |
| Chittenden & Franklin | 120% AMI | $95,600 | $109,200 | $122,800 | $136,400 | $147,400 | $161,100 |
| Addison | 80% AMI | $55,550 | $63,450 | $71,400 | $79,300 | $85,650 | $92,000 |
| Addison | 120% AMI | $83,200 | $95,100 | $107,000 | $118,900 | $128,500 | $138,000 |
All sources of income must be counted from all persons in the household based on anticipated income expected within the next 12 months. Possible types of income include but are not limited to: wages, salary, tips, bonuses or commissions payments, public assistance, social security/SSI, child support, regular gifts, unemployment, income earned on assets (savings, IRA, etc.) and some types of financial aid.
Search the map below to see if your address qualifies for VGS’s Heat Pump Water Heater Program
Beginning February 1, 2022, as part of its Climate Plan, VGS is excited to offer its customers, and qualifying Vermonters in surrounding communities, one of the most energy efficient electric water heaters available:
- 50 & 65 Gallon Sizes
- Energy Star certified
- Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Tier 3 rated
- Prices include current utility rebates
- Compare Water Heating Costs with a convenient calculator
Please contact our Customer Care Team at 802-863-4511 option 8 to confirm eligibility.