Vermont Gas encourages efficiency and enrollment in discount programs

With winter and extreme weather just around the corner, Vermont Gas is encouraging its customers to explore our energy efficiency programs and the discount rate program for lower-income households. ‘ Energy efficiency has saved Vermont Gas customers over $13 million per year. ‘ For qualified lower-income households, the discount program can save an additional 20 percent. Natural gas is already roughly half the cost of heating with fuel oil or propane.
Qualified lower-income customers can enroll with the State Fuel Assistance Office to determine if they are eligible. ‘ The new Vermont Gas discount, which became effective July 1, comes at a time when temperatures are dropping and the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that helps more than 28,000 of Vermont's most vulnerable residents stay warm through the winter months may be facing federal cuts.
"Our team continues to use all resources available and explore every avenue of savings as winter approaches," said Jan Demers, executive director of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO). ‘ CVOEO has some small WARMTH funds to help, but we encourage people to apply for the seasonal LIHEAP benefit. ‘ The Vermont Gas discount program also provides very important relief for people with low incomes and the lower cost of natural gas helps spread LIHEAP dollars further."
"Heating a home with natural gas costs much less than it does with fuel oil or propane," said Stephen Wark, communications director for Vermont Gas. "We're happy to see that the State of Vermont has increased its investment in LIHEAP. ‘ We know Vermont Gas' efficiency programs, discount for lower income households and the State's LIHEAP program can make a critical difference for our customers. Vermont Gas customers interested in an efficiency audit can sign up online www.vermontgas.com/efficiency_programs/audit.html or call Vermont Gas at 1-800-639-0881.
Vermonters who think they might qualify for the additional lower income discount are urged to contact the State of Vermont's fuel assistance program in the Vermont Department of Children and Families (DCF). The maximum gross monthly income is 185 percent of the federal poverty level, based on household size. For example, the maximum gross income per month for a three-person family is $3,011; add or subtract $620 per person for larger or smaller families. For an application or additional information regarding eligibility, please contact the DCF Energy Assistance Office at 1-800-775-0516 or visit www.energyhelp.vt.gov
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.addisonnaturalgas.com