Burlington, VT – A new scorecard, released October 1, found that Vermont’s energy efficiency efforts are ranked third in the nation. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) releases an annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard to measure the success of energy efficiency programs. This year, Vermont’s ranking increased from fourth to third, making 2019 the 11th year since 2007 that Vermont has ranked in the top five nationally. This news comes the same week as National Energy Efficiency Day on October 2, and the launch of Button Up Vermont, a statewide campaign to help Vermonters weatherize their homes.
The Scorecard analyzes and compares existing energy efficiency programs between states to recommend how each state can improve its efficiency offerings for residents. The scorecard considers programs across electricity, thermal, and transportation. Going forward, ACEEE recommends states expand programs that focus on greenhouse gas emission reductions and found opportunities for Vermont to expand efficiency efforts particularly in transportation and heating.
The report notes the efforts of the three energy efficiency utilities, Vermont Gas Systems, Burlington Electric Department, and Efficiency Vermont, as significant contributors to Vermont’s energy efficiency leadership. Vermont’s rank was supported by strong programs designed to help low-income households save energy and money, and helping all Vermonters reduce electricity usage.
“When Vermont leads on energy efficiency, Vermonters win by saving money and staying warm,” said Rebecca Foster, Director of Efficiency Vermont. “Vermont’s statewide, coordinated approach to energy efficiency directly benefits businesses and residents and helps ensure that energy upgrades are accessible and affordable for everyone.”
“Vermonters are passionate and determined to reduce their carbon footprints. VGS is committed to giving them the tools to succeed today. Our award winning energy efficiency programs and our first in the nation renewable natural gas program give our customers the ability to fully offset their carbon footprint,” said Don Rendall, President and CEO of VGS. “Our values at VGS are all about safety, customers, culture – and climate. Our partnerships with great organizations such as Efficiency Vermont and Burlington Electric Department are an essential part of making progress quickly for our customers and our state.”
“We thank our customers and the entire Burlington community for their critical efforts that have allowed Burlington to lead on energy efficiency for the past 30 years,” stated Darren Springer, General Manager of Burlington Electric Department. “These contributions have produced an amazing achievement – our City uses approximately six percent less electricity today than we did in 1989, while saving millions of dollars annually. We congratulate our partners – Efficiency Vermont and Vermont Gas – for their strong work, which contributes to our state’s energy efficiency achievements. Burlington Electric Department is proud to be the energy efficiency provider for Burlington and, as we embark on efforts to reach our goal to become a Net Zero Energy city by 2030, we continue to build on the strong energy efficiency foundation developed over the last three decades.”
Learn more about National Energy Efficiency Day and Button Up Vermont.
About VGS
VGS is a leader in energy efficiency and innovation, offering a clean, safe, affordable choice for over 54,000 homes, businesses, and institutions in Franklin, Chittenden and Addison counties. The company plays an important role in Vermont’s clean energy future by displacing higher-emitting fuels, offering renewable natural gas service, and delivering award-winning energy efficiency programs. VGS is leading the country in the development of local renewable energy generation and has targeted a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and becoming Net Zero by 2050. For more information about Vermont Gas visit www.vgsvt.com
Media Contact
Dylan Giambatista
(802) 391-6475
dgiambatista@vermontgas.com
About Efficiency Vermont
Efficiency Vermont was created by the Vermont Legislature and is regulated by the Vermont Public Utility Commission to help all Vermonters reduce energy costs, strengthen the economy, and protect Vermont’s environment. For more information, contact Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990 or visit www.efficiencyvermont.com
Media Contact
Jeff Buell
Efficiency Vermont
802-540-7662
jbuell@veic.org
About Burlington Electric Department
Burlington Electric Department, Vermont’s largest municipal utility, serves more than 21,000 customers in Burlington. BED has a strong track record on energy efficiency, and Burlington as a whole uses approximately six percent less electricity today than in 1989. In 2014, Burlington became the first city in the nation to source 100 percent of its electricity from renewable generation. Following that accomplishment, BED and the City of Burlington announced the goal of becoming a Net Zero Energy city across the electric, thermal, and ground transportation sectors by 2030. For more information about Burlington Electric Department, visit www.burlingtonelectric.com.
Media Contact
Mike Kanarick
Burlington Electric Department
802-735-7962
mkanarick@burlingtonelectric.com