Vermont Gas Systems, based in South Burlington, has announced that its customers save almost $14 million a year by participating in the company’s award-winning energy efficiency programs, up nearly $1 million in 2014 alone. Almost 2,100 customers were added to the company’s efficiency program in 2014. In the two counties now served by Vermont Gas – Chittenden and Franklin – these customers will both save money and avoid climate-changing carbon emissions equivalent to the emissions from more than 1,000 cars.
The combination of efficiency programs and displacement of higher-emitting heating oil and propane makes natural gas a good environmental investment, Vermont Gas said in a statement.
“The company is committed to increasing our energy efficiency efforts because it is important to our customers and the environment. We have a dedicated team of professionals working with our customers and plan to invest more in these important programs in the future,” said Eileen Simollardes, vice president of regulatory affairs.
The company recently announced it will expand its efficiency programs to all customers along its existing pipeline and to future customers in the Addison Natural Gas Project footprint. As part of this expansion effort, Vermont Gas recently hired an additional residential auditor to enhance its ability to serve more customers.
Vermont Gas customers repeatedly express strong support in customer surveys for the company’s energy efficiency programs.
The company’s programs include a free energy audit that identifies potential energy savings. The audit looks at insulation levels, air-tightness and heating system efficiency. The company also offers reduced interest loans to help finance improvements, as well as rebates and incentives for upgrading equipment.
For more information, please see the company’s 2014 annual demand side management report on the Vermont Gas website.
About Vermont Gas
Vermont Gas Systems is a leader in energy efficiency and innovation, offering a clean, safe, affordable choice for almost 50,000 homes, businesses, and institutions in Franklin and Chittenden counties. The company has a long heritage of safe and reliable operations including a leading program to eliminate leaks in its distribution system, improving safety and reducing environmental impacts. For more information about Vermont Gas visit www.VermontGas.com.
Source: Vermont Gas 4.1.2015