Peacham and Ryegate voters approve weatherization programs

Vermont Business Magazine According to an Efficiency Vermont report, energy burden (energy spending as a percentage of income) is about 10% statewide. The greatest determinant of energy burden is income, not fuel cost, so in the Northeast Kingdom -- which has some of the lowest household incomes in the state -- households are likely to spend far more. In fact, in nearly every municipality in our region, energy spending exceeds 10% of household income. Obviously, those who are already struggling are far less able to invest in weatherization and cleaner fuel options that could save money in the long-run.

On Town Meeting Day, two NEK towns took decisive action to reduce energy burden. Peacham and Ryegate citizens approved budgets that allow for subsidies for ten HEAT Squad Home Energy Audits in each community. In Ryegate, a separate article passed to spend up to $50,000 to install a more renewable energy heating system for the town garage and Corner fire station. Congratulations to both communities!

Learn more about energy burden statewide -- and in your community -- here.

Homeowners must work with an approved stove retailer, and the old stove to be replaced must be installed and operational inside a home, and it must be removed and properly destroyed/recycled by the retailer.

HEAT and VLITE Can Add to Weatherization Rebates HEAT Squad and Vermont Low-Income Trust for Electricity (VLITE) are helping NEK homeowners save even more on weatherization. Home energy audits are as low as $50 for income-qualified households. Detailed audit reports will recommend weatherization projects eligible for rebates. Eligible measures must include air sealing (minimum 10% air infiltration reduction) and insulation (attic, basement and/or wall). Additional measures may include vapor barriers, bath fans and ventilation, attic and basement hatches, and health and safety repairs. Income-qualified rebates (see table above) are in addition to Efficiency Vermont rebates, which cover 50% of project costs up to $3,000. All rebates are subject to change, so the time to act is now. Visit HEAT Squad at https://www.heatsquad.org/ or call 802-438-2303.