Efficiency Vermont plans to reduce costs, increase value for customers in 2019
Burlington, VT
December 14, 2018 – Burlington, VT – Efficiency Vermont, the statewide energy efficiency utility, proposed to state regulators on Thursday an updated three-year plan that would deliver energy savings at lower cost to customers. As shared with officials, Efficiency Vermont has already reduced its costs below its approved budget in 2018 and is looking to build on that in 2019 by continuing to streamline its operations.
Efficiency Vermont and the state’s other energy efficiency utilities, Burlington Electric Department and Vermont Gas Systems, update their three-year operating plans on an annual basis and present them to the Vermont Public Utilities Commission to demonstrate how each will serve as effective stewards of public funds to benefit Vermont customers and meet performance goals established by PUC.
“Customers seek to reduce their energy costs and we’re committed to helping them,” said Rebecca Foster, Director of Efficiency Vermont. “We know weatherization continues to be an unmet need, particularly for our most vulnerable neighbors. In partnership with others, we commit to do more to serve Vermonters in 2019.” As to cost-effective innovation, “We’re constantly scouting for new, proven technologies, such as smart thermostats or controllable devices that meet our customers’ needs, and bringing those to Vermont at affordable prices.”
Efficiency Vermont is planning to redesign its weatherization services to better support low-income customers, do-it-yourselfers, and those striving for the highest standards in building efficiency. The utility provides these services through the Efficiency Excellence Network, a qualified group of private contractors, and in collaboration with other service providers, such as local community action agencies.
Efficiency Vermont will also increase support for innovative, efficient heating and cooling equipment such as whole-home heat pumps, advanced wood heating, and new high-efficiency air conditioners. Efficiency Vermont is committed to helping customers of all income levels make their homes more comfortable and affordable.
“To provide low-cost, clean, and reliable power, we need everyone pulling in the same direction,” said Foster. “Private contractors, utilities, communities, businesses, and individuals are working together to leverage resources to collaboratively tackle our most urgent energy challenges.”
Efficiency Vermont and the other energy efficiency utilities have partnered for years to deliver clean energy services to customers, including programs on efficient lighting, appliances, and refrigeration. In addition, several collaborative projects are already underway or completed with new partners, including one with Green Mountain Power and Putney-based renewable energy firm Dynamic Organics to help the Brattleboro Retreat utilize an ice storage system to align building and grid efficiency. The Retreat now cools its buildings on the hottest days by pumping water through previously-frozen ice blocks. Through this collaboration, the Retreat reduced demand by more than 115 kilowatts (kW) during peak energy use, which will save them an estimated $20,000 annually. Efficiency Vermont is seeking to do more collaborative work of this nature in the future.
About Efficiency Vermont
As the nation’s first Energy Efficiency Utility, Efficiency Vermont has helped Vermont avoid over 13.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence award for the last eight consecutive years. Efficiency Vermont works with partners to help our state transition to more affordable, low carbon energy use through education, incentives, and support for our clean energy workforce. Learn more at www.efficiencyvermont.com.
Efficiency Vermont Press Contact
Matthew Smith
Phone: (802) 540-7662
[email protected]