Vermont Governor Proclaims October 5 ‘Energy Efficiency Day’
October 5, 2017, Burlington, VT—The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a national non-profit that advances policies and programs for energy efficiency, has, for the fourth year in a row, ranked Vermont among the top five in the nation for advancement and support of energy efficiency. This announcement was made as part of ACEEE’s 2017 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, which gave Vermont a fourth-place ranking, and as Vermont Governor Phil Scott proclaimed October 5 as ‘Energy Efficiency Day’.
The ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard provides states with a detailed comparison of how their efficiency efforts measure up. The scorecard offers recommendations for how each state can improve its rank, encouraging progress toward a more efficient future. In Vermont, the Report sites opportunities to deepen savings across other energy sectors: transportation and thermal efficiency.
ACEEE cites the three energy efficiency utilities—Vermont Gas Systems, Burlington Electric Department, and Efficiency Vermont—as a primary reason for Vermont’s leadership in this area.
“Vermont is unique. Compared to other states that have a fragmented approach to efficiency, our statewide and coordinated efforts provide equity, fairness and transparency—ensuring that every Vermonter has access to affordable products and services to lower their energy use,” said Karen Glitman, Director of Efficiency Vermont.
“At Vermont Gas, our teams work hard every day to help Vermont families and businesses reduce their energy needs and save money,” said Tom Murray, Vice President of Customers and Communities. “History has shown that our efficiency programs produce results for our customers. On average, 1,500 customers who participate in our programs help eliminate almost 4,500 tons of carbon dioxide each year just by reducing their energy usage. That’s enough energy to heat over 400 homes for one year.”
“Energy efficiency is Vermont’s least expensive future energy supply resource and, every day, becomes a greater environmental imperative,” said Chris Burns, Burlington Electric Department Director of Energy Services. “The Burlington Electric Department belongs to all members of the Burlington community, and our engaged and thoughtful community has been unequivocal in stating its preference for the pursuit of cost-effective energy efficiency above all other energy sources.”
Learn more about Governor Scott’s ‘Energy Efficiency Day’ proclamation: http://governor.vermont.gov/content/energy-efficiency-day-proclamation-17-117
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
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