Vermont Gas proposes energy-efficiency services regardless of fuel source

At a gathering of Addison County legislators, state and municipal officials, and low-income advocates at a bed & breakfast in Vergennes, Vermont Gas announced plans to expand its award-winning energy-efficiency program to any potential customer located along a Vermont Gas service line, regardless of what fuel they are currently using for heat.
All homes and businesses located along Vermont Gas’ distribution pipelines ‘ whether heated with natural gas, oil, wood or propane ‘ would be eligible under the proposal. Additionally, the program would prioritize efficiency services and conversion for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) customers and households eligible for Vermont Gas’ low-income rate.
Vermont has the second-oldest housing stock in the nation, and among the coldest climates, creating significant challenges for the efficient heating of homes and businesses. Currently, two thirds of the state’s homes and businesses are heated by oil or propane.’ Because the energy-efficiency programs for unregulated fuels like oil, propane and wood are limited, these homeowners and employers miss out on efficiency programs that would reduce fuel consumption, save money and help the environment.
Vermont Gas’ award-winning energy-efficiency programs now reduce energy use while saving $13 million annually for current customers, but that figure would be significantly expanded if the all fuels plan is approved.
The innovative plan was announced at the Strong House Inn in Vergennes, where proprietor and small-business owner Mary Bargiel welcomed Vermont Gas representatives, state and local officials and low-income advocates.
"We are excited to expand our energy efficiency program to help more Vermonters reduce their home heating fuel use.’ said Don Gilbert, President and CEO of Vermont Gas.’ ‘ ‘Homeowners and businesses on our existing service line or approved service line extensions will be able to take advantage of our energy audits, thermal insulation and heating system conversion or upgrades - even if they are not currently Vermont Gas customers.’ Natural gas combined with energy efficiency is a powerful combination that will help Vermonters cut their heating bills by almost half and reduce emissions by up to 23%."
One of the primary architects of Vermont Gas’ all fuels plan, Senator Christopher Bray, participated in the announcement. A few months ago, the Addison County senator asked the governor’s office, the Department of Public Service and Vermont Gas to join him in a discussion about how to leverage and expand the economic and environmental advantages of the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project across the proposed service territory.
‘Many Vermont homeowners and small-businesses are still struggling in this economy, so when Vermont Gas started talking about the advantages ‘ lower prices, reduced emissions, great energy-efficiency programs, we started talking about how we could expand the program and deliver an even broader public benefit,’ said Sen. Bray. ‘This is a great example, Vermont style, of business and community leaders coming together to forge a solution that helps everyone.’
The expanded efficiency services will be available in Vermont Gas’ current service areas in Franklin and Chittenden counties, plus the approved expansions of each phase of the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project. The program would prioritize conversion and efficiency services for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) customers and households eligible for Vermont Gas’ low-income rate.
Vermont Gas has applied to the Vermont Public Service Board for a certificates of public good (CPG) for the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project in its goal to eventually to expand service to Rutland.
The Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project is expected to help homeowners and businesses in Addison and Rutland counties bring down their heating costs by about 50 percent, based on current prices, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 25 percent.
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 $13 million annually for homes and businesses.’ For more information about the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project, visit www.addisonrutlandnaturalgas.com.