Montpelier, Vt. – Vermont’s three energy efficiency utilities (EEUs) – Vermont Gas, Burlington Electric Department and Efficiency Vermont – are partnering with the Department of Public Service and the Agencies of Natural Resources and Human Services to offer an additional $500 to income-eligible Vermont households who pursue contractor-led, comprehensive weatherization projects.
“I want to thank our energy efficiency utilities for working to help Vermonters overcome barriers to energy efficiency and weatherization programs,” said Governor Phil Scott. “This additional incentive will bolster our collective efforts to allow all Vermonters to make home improvements that save money and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Since 2008, the EEUs’ efficiency programs have helped weatherize more than 10,000 homes. The new bonus incentive seeks to increase that number by providing additional resources to low- and moderate-income families who work with contractors on comprehensive home energy retrofit projects.
“Everyone deserves a warm home – and our teams are dedicated to ensuring that happens for each and every one of our customers,” said Don Rendall, president and CEO of Vermont Gas. “Whether through our low-income discount, budget plans or generous efficiency incentives, we are committed to helping all our neighbors have a safe, warm and comfortable home all year long.”
The EEUs and state agencies have agreed to use existing funds from the Thermal Energy and Process Fuels (TEPF) efficiency program – which enables Vermonters to save money by more efficiently using unregulated fuels such as propane, fuel oil or woody biomass – to offer this incentive.
“This bonus incentive is a step we can take right now to help more Vermonters, especially those of modest means, invest in making their homes more comfortable, more affordable, and more sustainable for the future,” said Rebecca Foster, Director of Efficiency Vermont “Make no mistake: there is a great deal of work to be done to help Vermonters button up their homes, but we hope that more families will find a comprehensive weatherization project within their reach with this new offer.”
The $500 bonus incentive can be combined with existing programs available to families with household incomes less than 120 percent of the area median income (AMI). For example, coupled with the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program, the bonus would increase the maximum incentive from $2,000 to $2,500. For Vermont Gas’s high-use energy audit program, the bonus could be added to the 33 percent of the project cost already covered Vermont Gas.
“Burlington Electric is glad to join with our energy efficiency partners to bring forward new incentives to make weatherization more affordable for our customers,” said Darren Springer, general manager of the Burlington Electric Department. “As we work toward the goal of helping Burlington become a Net Zero Energy City, we want to make energy innovation available to all. That is why we offer enhanced electric vehicle rebates for low- and moderate-income customers, and why we have added this new incentive for weatherization today.”
“After spending seven years living in the south, I had forgotten what a Vermont winter is like. I signed up for a free energy audit from Vermont Gas to learn what I can do to make my home more efficient,” said Sally Ross, of Burlington. “Thanks to these financial incentive programs, including this extra $500, I’ll be able to tighten up my house, save money on heating, and be warmer in the winter. The best part is that, with these changes, I will make a smaller impact on the environment, which is so vital!”
Vermont Gas, Burlington Electric Department and Efficiency Vermont offer a variety of energy-saving resources to customers. Electric distribution utilities also offer energy cost reduction programs, including incentives for wood heating systems, electric vehicles, efficient appliances and cold climate heat pumps.
For a comprehensive list of available rebates at Efficiency Vermont, Vermont Gas and Burlington Electric Department visit: www.efficiencyvermont.com, www.vermontgas.com and www.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
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