Vermont Business Magazine Since the completion of the Addison Natural Gas Project last month, Vermont Gas has been helping Middlebury families and businesses save money by switching to more affordable natural gas. Vermont Gas officially started serving several businesses on April 12 and recently began helping families make the switch to natural gas.
“It’s cheaper and I have already noticed a huge difference in how it cooks,” said Elizabeth Bolduc, of Middlebury, in a press release announcing the expansion of service to homeowners. “I am very excited to have natural gas service. The crew at Vermont Gas has been wonderful to work with. I would recommend this service and company to all of my neighbors.”
Based on today’s prices, customers who choose to make the switch to natural gas from oil and propane will see significant savings: roughly $250 per year by switching from oil and over $1,500 per year by converting from propane. Vermont Gas stated that natural gas is 19 percent less expensive than oil and 57 percent cheaper than propane.
Vermont Gas, based in South Burlington, was to have completed the pipeline last year. It has faced severe cost increases, court challenges, including one still before the Vermont Supreme Court, and virulent opposition from groups as diverse as landowners, fracking opponents and the AARP. It also fired its first contractor. The original cost of the project was $86 million, it then went to $121.6 million and $153.6 million. Vermont Gas has agreed to cap the ratepayer cost at $134 million regardless of the ultimate cost and take the rest out of profits.
“We know families and businesses in Addison County have a choice when it comes to how they heat their homes and we are honored so many are choosing clean and affordable natural gas,” said Don Rendall, President and CEO of Vermont Gas. “We welcome these new customers and look forward to serving them. And we’re excited to offer our award-winning energy efficiency services as well to help the families and businesses in Addison County reduce their energy use and save even more.”
Vermont Gas, which operates the only gas pipeline service in Vermont, said converting to natural gas is easy and affordable. Vermont Gas said its experts will guide new customers every step of the way and provide access to the company’s energy efficiency program that offers incentives and rebates on equipment and upgrades to help reduce energy needs and lower energy costs.
About Vermont Gas
Vermont Gas Systems is a leader in energy efficiency and innovation, offering a clean, safe, affordable choice for over 50,000 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 and with its award-winning energy efficiency programs.
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