Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC) is offering expanded financial incentives in 2018 to VEC members who purchase or lease electric or plug-in hybrid cars. VEC members Eric and Ingrid Nuse were among those who recently took advantage of a VEC bill credit when they bought an all-electric Nissan Leaf last fall.
“The car is wonderful – it’s a joy to drive – it’s comfortable, quiet and plenty peppy,” Eric Nuse says, noting that the cost to run the electric car overall has been significantly less than running a gasoline car.
The Nuses, of Johnson, bought their car last September, and so far no maintenance has been required. All-electric cars generally require less maintenance than cars that have internal combustion engines.
The couple notes they have to plan trips more carefully because charging stations are not as numerous as gas stations. They also have to plan for the car’s drop in range when the weather is cold, but the couple also owns a gasoline powered second vehicle they can use for longer trips.
The charging challenges notwithstanding, the Nuses are very pleased with their car – not only because it’s fun and costs less to run, but also because it has shrunk their environmental footprint.
Buy, and Get the Credit
VEC members buying electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric cars can enjoy the following credits on their electric bills:
●$250 one-time bill credit for purchase and $50/year for a lease for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (e.g. a Chevy Volt or a Toyota Prius Prime).
●$500 one-time bill credit for purchase and $100/year for a lease for fully electric vehicles (e.g. Chevy Bolt or Nissan Leaf)
VEC’s incentives are in addition to any federal and state tax credits offered. In order to claim credits, members are asked to fill out a short claim form, and send it, along with proof of the purchase or lease, to VEC.
VEC’s incentives for EVs, as well as similar credits for pellet stoves, heat pumps, and heat pump hot water heaters and charging stations, are all part of VEC’s Energy Transformation Program. This program stems from Vermont’s Renewable Energy Standard, which was passed by Vermont lawmakers in 2015. Under the law, Vermont’s electric utilities are required to implement programs to help their customers shift their energy sources from fossil fuels like gasoline or heating fuel, to electricity or other non-fossil fuel sources.
About Vermont Electric Cooperative
Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC), established in 1938, is a non-profit, member-owned electric distribution utility that provides safe, affordable, and reliable electric service to approximately 32,000 members in 75 communities in northern Vermont. Nationally recognized for innovative and advanced use of technology, VEC is the largest locally-owned electric distribution utility in Vermont.
Source:www.vermontelectric.coop. 3.28.2018