South Burlington, Vt. – VGS today filed its 2021 rate request for November 2021 that reinforces its commitment to customer safety and affordability, energy efficiency, and investments in clean energy solutions. The proposal, which requires approval from the Public Utility Commission (PUC), calls for an overall rate increase of 2.6%. This adjustment would mean an average residential customer would pay an additional $2.40 per month. This change comes after generally declining overall rates over the last 10 years. In fact, with this proposed adjustment, homeowners will be paying on average $260 less per year than they were in November 2011.
“This past year has been extremely challenging for too many Vermonters. The unprecedented global pandemic has stressed the economy and changed our everyday lives. Our VGS team is committed to helping Vermont and our customers through this challenge by keeping rates affordable and offering flexible payment arrangements” said Neale Lunderville, VGS President and CEO. “We believe this rate proposal furthers our commitment to safety and affordability, while advancing clean energy initiatives and enhancing the customer experience.”
“As a small business owner who was forced to close for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are always looking for ways to keep our monthly bills low,” said Catherine Collette, of Burlington Bedrooms. “We are so grateful that VGS understands the importance of keeping their rates affordable and still makes sure that we receive excellent service for our business and our home heating needs.”
The rate request advances VGS’s Climate Action Plan and strengthens the Company’s resilience through investments in climate action and its workforce.
“From our professional service technicians who are safely following COVID protocols to keep customers warm this winter, to our energy efficiency and innovation teams working to advance clean energy solutions to help save carbon, each and every member of the VGS team is focused on providing Vermonters exceptional service all year long,” Lunderville said.
Today’s filing is composed of a 1.95% increase in the non-gas portion of VGS’s rates, and with a projected 4.1% increase in the natural gas charge, results in an overall increase of 2.6%. This rate proposal also includes a request to return approximately $4.44 million of the System Expansion and Reliability Fund (SERF) back to customers.
The regulatory proceeding will take approximately eight months to complete and include review and input from the Department of Public Service, public comment, testimony from the company and energy experts and public hearings before the PUC ultimately rules on the matter. To view today’s filing visit vgsvt.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