VGS today announced that it is increasing financial rebates to help more low- and moderate-income Vermonters weatherize their homes. Starting January 1, 2022, VGS will offer qualifying single-family homeowners an incentive to cover 75 percent of comprehensive weatherization project costs up to $5,000, providing an affordable option to reduce energy expenses, improve comfort, and lower their carbon footprint. Weatherization is a proven strategy to combat climate change and a cornerstone strategy of VGS’s Climate Plan.
“At VGS, we’re focused on ways to help Vermonters reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money while doing it,” said Ashley Wainer, Vice President of Customers and Energy Innovation for VGS. “We’re backing this commitment by prioritizing low- and moderate-income customers, expanding who can access incentives for weatherization projects, and increasing the total rebate available to $5,000 – this is a significant savings for Vermonters.”
An infosheet providing an overview of expanded incentives is available here. Previously, the incentive was 50 percent of project costs up to $3,500. Under the new structure, VGS customers with household income less than 120 percent of Vermont’s area median income (AMI) will be eligible for the newly expanded weatherization rebates, covering 75 percent of project costs up to $5,000. Of the area VGS serves, 120 percent of AMI for a family of four ranges from $104,800 in Addison County to $110,000 in Chittenden and Franklin Counties. Customers who have household incomes of less than 80 percent AMI may qualify for even larger rebates, depending on eligibility.
Weatherization describes home improvements to air seal and insulate the exterior surfaces of a home, such as basements, walls, and attics, to reduce heat loss, increase comfort, and improve indoor air quality. Weatherization is a cost-effective pathway that provides multiple benefits for homeowners, tenants, and landlords. In addition to lower monthly energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, residents benefit from improved home health, more comfort, and added asset value.
“As we take steps to align with the State’s climate goals and efforts to achieve a just transition, we want to make energy efficiency as accessible and affordable as possible,” said Tim Perrin, VGS’s Energy Efficiency and Innovation Manager. “We’re committed to ensuring all our customers can access the benefits of weatherization, especially our neighbors who historically have been unable to afford comprehensive efficiency improvements.”
In the nearly three decades since launching its efficiency programs, VGS has helped 42,000 customers weatherize their homes and purchase high efficiency equipment, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. These services have cut the equivalent of 20.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas usage and have saved customers over $195 million in avoided energy costs.
VGS serves more than 54,000 families and businesses in Franklin, Chittenden, and Addison Counties. In 2019, VGS launched a Climate Plan to get to NetZero by 2050, with an immediate goal of reducing emissions for its customers in line with Vermont’s ambitious Global Warming Solutions Act targets over the next decade. Expanding energy efficiency offerings is one of the pathways to achieve these milestones, and VGS is making major strides to help customers decarbonize.
To learn if you are eligible for the new weatherization rebates, visit our Residential Rebates & Financing page.
