Vermont Gas reports growth in new residential and business customers

Vermont Gas is experiencing record customer growth based on heating costs that are about 50 percent lower than fuel oil or propane, award-winning energy efficiency programs, and reduced carbon emissions.
2013 was another strong year of growth for Vermont’s only natural gas utility.’ This year Vermont Gas welcomed almost 1,300 new residential and more than 160 business customers within its current service area in Chittenden and Franklin counties.
‘Many of our customers come to us because we can cut their heating bills in half,’ said Don Gilbert, president of Vermont Gas. ‘They end up staying with Vermont Gas because we offer a more affordable, cleaner and safer option to heat Vermont homes and businesses, award winning efficiency services and consistently high customer service rankings.’
The Shelburne Sugarworks is one of the new customers to switch from oil to natural gas.’ ‘ Owner Steve Palmer was looking for ways to cut his fuel bills and have a cleaner process and, after much research, decided to convert.
‘Maple syrup is a tradition and a staple in Vermont and we at the Shelburne Sugarworks look to find creative ways to help keep our costs down,’ said Steve Palmer.’ ‘When we switched from oil to natural gas we cut our fuel bill in half and, believe me, we use a lot of fuel to get from 40 gallons of sap to a gallon of Vermont's finest syrup.’ Lower costs for us mean savings for our customers.’ It just makes sense.’
Mr. Palmer is not alone.’ In the past six years, people from Enosburg, Richmond, Hinesburg, Underhill and Jericho have switched to natural gas from propane or oil, saving 43% to 54% in heating costs.
Vermont Gas serves almost 50,000 customers in Franklin and Chittenden counties and is currently working to expand service into Addison and Rutland counties through the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project.’ The company’s long heritage for safe and reliable operations includes its award-winning energy efficiency programs, which reduce energy use while saving current customers $13 million annually for homes and businesses.’ For more information about the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project, visit www.addisonrutlandnaturalgas.com.
vermont Gas 12.4.2013