One company helping Vermonters save energy on their own terms
Richie Lafond has worked in the residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry for 25 years. A lot has changed during that time. But one thing that hasn't changed is Richie's commitment to helping Vermonters reduce their energy costs and make their homes more comfortable.
Richie is the service manager at the Energy Co-Op of Vermont, based in Colchester. The Co-Op was started in 2001 by a group of Vermonters who were concerned about the rising cost of energy. The Co-Op's motto is "Use Less, Save More." The goal is to meet Vermonters wherever they are on their energy journey and empower them to take the next step, whatever that may be. To that end, the Co-Op delivers fossil fuels to homes powered by kerosene or oil. It delivers wood pellets. It installs and services heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. And it provides weatherization services to make homes more comfortable.
"We're unlike any other organization in the state," says CEO Shelley Navari. "We help customers pursue efficiency because it helps reduce energy costs and it supports Vermont's climate goals. We're not here to make a profit."
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Weatherization These days, Richie meets a lot of homeowners who are curious about electrifying their heating and cooling systems. He says folks often assume that installing a heat pump will be too expensive. "But then I start talking to them about Efficiency Vermont's programs," he says. "They don't realize how much they can save."
The Energy Co-Op of Vermont is a member of Efficiency Vermont’s Efficiency Excellence Network (EEN). The EEN is a network of contractors trained in the most current building science and energy efficiency best practices. Since 2013, the Co-Op has helped its members access Efficiency Vermont rebates and other financial support. "We really believe in that partnership," Shelley says. "Being part of the Efficiency Excellence Network has helped our members save thousands of dollars on improving their homes."
When a Co-Op member wants to reduce their energy costs or make their home warmer, the first step is usually an energy audit. A Co-Op representative does a full sweep of the home to identify opportunities for energy savings. Then, members receive a personalized report of energy-saving opportunities in their home. "We don't walk away from those conversations saying, 'you need to make these changes all at once,'" Shelley says. "We work with homeowners to make small changes, and then we help them plan for the bigger changes in the future."
Richie's favorite part of the job is helping members think through the next steps for their homes. It's gratifying when members realize energy-efficient home upgrades can be affordable, whether it's patching up drafty areas or installing a heat pump. "A lot of people really appreciate learning about their options," he says.
The Energy Co-Op of Vermont is committed to making Vermont more affordable through energy efficiency improvements. At the end of the day, it comes down to the Co-Op's relationships with its members. Richie puts it this way: "Our vision is that everybody can afford to be comfortable in their homes."
