Weatherization gets a shot in the arm

Vermonters of modest means will soon have more resources available than ever before to lower the cost of weatherizing their homes, helping them save hundreds of dollars a year on heating and cooling costs.

To offset the cost of weatherization, Efficiency Vermont will be offering thousands of dollars in incentives to encourage moderate-income households to tackle home air sealing and insulation projects. To qualify, Vermonters need to earn between 80-120 percent of area median income (AMI).  This table gives a clearer sense of what the household income limits are to qualify, based on the number of people in your household and where in Vermont you live (but you can always contact us to see what programs you are eligible for):

This spring, Efficiency Vermont began redesigning its weatherization programs with a goal of making them more accessible to families on tight budgets. We were preparing to announce the program changes when something big happened: In May, the Legislature passed House Bill 63, which provided Efficiency Vermont the flexibility to direct $2.6 million of our existing budget toward weatherization programs and services. Governor Phil Scott signed the bill into law on June 17.

Our goal is be able to serve an additional 1,500 Vermont households with weatherization services by the end of 2020 with this funding. We are working with our partners now to make adjustments to our original weatherization program changes and will be announcing specific incentives in mid-July.  

Accelerating the pace of weatherization in Vermont is important. Vermonters spend over $500 million a year on fossil fuels to heat their homes. Weatherization is the most cost-effective strategy for reducing energy bills and cutting carbon pollution, not to mention making homes more comfortable during long winters and hot summers!

We’re excited to be able to help more Vermonters take advantage of the many benefits of weatherization, and help Vermont move closer to achieving its clean energy goals. Stay tuned!