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