What does Geo-Targeting of energy efficiency mean?

Geo-Targeting (GT) is short for Geographic Targeting. Efficiency Vermont is directing energy efficiency efforts toward targeted geographic areas across the state to help relieve the electric load on constrained transmission and distribution systems.

A constrained transmission and distribution system is an area where the demand for power on the electric transmission and distribution facilities is at or near capacity during periods of peak demand for electricity. These peak demand periods typically occur during the hottest days of the summer or coldest days during the winter. As electricity demand increases, the need to take action, either to upgrade the electric transmission and distribution infrastructure or to reduce the load becomes more critical.

 Efficiency Vermont's Geo-Targeting effort is the first of its kind in the nation. If successful, it will demonstrate lower cost ways to accommodate growing electricity demands.

Why is Efficiency Vermont focusing efforts on GT?

As demand for electricity grows, so does the need for the infrastructure capacity to handle the increased load. 

In August 2006, the Vermont Public Service Board issued an order that increased the state's budget levels for energy efficiency, and followed that order with another in September that directed portions of the total funding to be used to reduce the electric load on over-burdened or constrained transmission and distribution systems. The resulting goal of both orders is to postpone or avoid the need to upgrade electric transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Energy efficiency has repeatedly proven to be the most cost-effective method to address power supply issues. The intent is that energy efficiency will again be the most cost-effective way to address this issue of constrained systems.

Where are the Geo-Targeted areas in Vermont?

St. Albans and vicinity,

Northern Chittenden County,

Newport/Derby and

southern portion of Vermont from Bennington to Manchester to Brattleboro

See Map of Vermont.

About 63,000 homes and businesses have been identified for targeting by the three utilities operating in these four areas. The affected electric utilities - GreenMountain Power, Central Vermont Public Service and the VT Electric Co-operative identified the Geo-Targeted areas.

Why are some homes and businesses in my town included in the Geo-Targeted areas and some are not?

Only those accounts on the targeted electric distribution lines are included in the GT efforts. So, it is possible for neighbors on either side of the street to be served by different electric supply lines, with one neighbor in the GT areas and the other neighbor out of the GT areas.

Savings achieved from energy efficiency on these distribution lines has the potential to forestall the need to make substantial investments to increase the system capacity. Non-targeted accounts will also provide benefit to all Vermonters through reduced high cost power purchases and other benefits, but are not the top priority for reducing peak loads and forestalling infrastructure investment.

Will the Geo-Targeted areas ever change?

The current GT efforts are part of the Efficiency Vermont contract through the end of 2008. It is unlikely that GT areas will change between now and then. If GT efforts continue after 2008, it is possible that additional territories will be added at some point in the future.   

What will be different about Efficiency Vermont services in Geo-Targeted areas?

In GT areas, energy efficiency opportunities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if the benefits to the electric grid are greater than the associated installation costs. If an energy efficiency measure is cost-effective, it may be eligible for an incentive.  

Efficiency Vermont is developing specific energy efficiency efforts for customers within GT areas, including enhanced services or increased incentives to encourage efficiency measure acceptance.  Increased incentives make it easier for customers to overcome the first cost expense of adopting energy efficiency.

Due to the unprecedented savings goals associated with GT efforts, Efficiency Vermont will be targeting ratepayers resources to customers in GT areas who use a substantial amount of electricity and therefore have significant savings opportunities. Efficiency Vermont will be developing special services and incentive offers for these geo-targeted customers.

As an example, homes in GT areas that use electricity for heat or hot water may be eligible for one of these special offers. Customers may be contacted by Efficiency Vermont to evaluate the benefits of replacing an electric system with a non-electric system.  These customers could be eligible for significant incentives for replacing these electric systems with non-electric systems.

Where do I call about getting more information about Geo-Targeting services?

Email or call Efficiency Vermont toll-free at 888-921-5990 for more information.

Who benefits from Geo-Targeting efforts and how? 

These efforts benefit all customers across the state by reducing expensive power supply purchases.  Furthermore, if enough homes and business improve their electrical energy efficiency within these geo-targeted areas, all Vermont electric ratepayers will benefit by avoiding the need for additional transmission and distribution upgrades.  These targeted efforts will also:

• Benefit local communities by allowing Vermont ratepayers to buy local rather than sending dollars out of state to purchase additional electric capacity. 
• Reduce emissions from power plants that burn fossil fuels, thereby contributing less to air pollution and global climate change.
• Support Vermont businesses (including retailers, suppliers, trades people and design professionals) that specialize in energy efficiency products and services.

Can I expect my electric bill to go down as a result of Geo-Targeting efforts?

The avoidance of high cost investment in infrastructure development is an added benefit for all Vermonters. Since energy efficiency is cheaper than the purchase of electric power supply, the benefits are seen when increases in statewide electric costs are avoided. There is always a direct benefit to customers who adopt energy efficiency measures which is a lower electric bill, regardless of where your home or business is located.

How much will these Geo-Targeting services cost me? 

Efficiency Vermont is funded by an energy efficiency charge (EEC) on your electric bill. Before Efficiency Vermont was created, the energy efficiency charge was used to pay for energy efficiency services formerly provided by your electric utility.

The EEC is adjusted annually by the Public Service Board for electric bills rendered after the first of each year. Regular adjustments to the EEC were made this past January, and a special adjustment for GT efforts was implemented at the same time.  Spending for GT efforts are about a third of the total Efficiency Vermont budget.

When will the Geo-Targeting efforts start and end?

The official launch of GT efforts is July 1, 2007 and will run through December 31, 2008. During that time you will hear more about events in your area through local media outlets. Check back here to monitor GT activities.

Will Geo-Targeting services address all electric end uses, renewable energy and distributed generation?

Efficiency Vermont currently has a comprehensive set of electric energy efficiency services available to residential, commercial, industrial, municipal and other customers. We address all cost-effective electric energy efficiency options and encourage Vermont ratepayers to contact us to help them save energy.

Distributed generation and renewable energy strategies for reducing peak loads on the electric system are being explored independent of the GT efforts. Associated incentives for distributed generation and renewable energy projects are also separate from GT incentives. For more information about renewable energy options, visit the Renewable Energy Resource Center at www.RERC-VT.org or call the RERC toll-free 877-888-7372.

I get lots of power failures and brownouts, am I in a Geo-Targeted area?

Power failures can be attributed to many factors, including: damage from high winds, trees on lines, and other electric infrastructure damage. The potential does exist for these issues to surface more frequently if energy efficiency or infrastructure investment is not adequate to handle future electric loads.

How can I take steps to reduce energy in my home and/or business?

Lighting is the typically the easiest and most cost-effective energy efficiency investment consumers can make. Anyone in Vermont can save energy and support energy efficiency efforts by looking for our instant rebate offers available at local lighting and appliance retailers.  Business customers can purchase up to 25 compact fluorescent lamps per purchase at local retailers and may make up to 4 purchases per year. Residential customers can purchase up to six compact fluorescents lamps per purchase

Special energy efficiency events will be held in communities across the state in the coming months. Efficeincy Vermont invites you to participate and learn more about energy efficiency.

Efficiency Vermont also provides technical resources for all Vermont residential and commercial customers looking to save energy. Call us toll-free 888-921-5990 for more information on how you can start saving energy today.