Vermont Ranks in Top Five for Energy Efficiency
Burlington, VT
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a national non-profit that advances policies and programs for energy efficiency, has, for the fourth year in a row, ranked Vermont among the top five in the nation for advancement and support of energy efficiency. This announcement was made as part of ACEEE’s 2017 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, which gave Vermont a fourth-place ranking, and as Vermont Governor Phil Scott proclaimed October 5 as ‘Energy Efficiency Day’.
The ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard provides states with a detailed comparison of how their efficiency efforts measure up. The scorecard offers recommendations for how each state can improve its rank, encouraging progress toward a more efficient future. In Vermont, the Report sites opportunities to deepen savings across other energy sectors: transportation and thermal efficiency.
ACEEE cites the three energy efficiency utilities—Vermont Gas Systems, Burlington Electric Department, and Efficiency Vermont—as a primary reason for Vermont’s leadership in this area.
“Vermont is unique. Compared to other states that have a fragmented approach to efficiency, our statewide and coordinated efforts provide equity, fairness and transparency—ensuring that every Vermonter has access to affordable products and services to lower their energy use,” said Karen Glitman, Director of Efficiency Vermont.
“At Vermont Gas, our teams work hard every day to help Vermont families and businesses reduce their energy needs and save money,” said Tom Murray, Vice President of Customers and Communities. “History has shown that our efficiency programs produce results for our customers. On average, 1,500 customers who participate in our programs help eliminate almost 4,500 tons of carbon dioxide each year just by reducing their energy usage. That’s enough energy to heat over 400 homes for one year.”
“Energy efficiency is Vermont’s least expensive future energy supply resource and, every day, becomes a greater environmental imperative,” said Chris Burns, Burlington Electric Department Director of Energy Services. “The Burlington Electric Department belongs to all members of the Burlington community, and our engaged and thoughtful community has been unequivocal in stating its preference for the pursuit of cost-effective energy efficiency above all other energy sources.”
Learn more about Governor Scott’s ‘Energy Efficiency Day’ proclamation.
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.
About Burlington Electric Department
Burlington Electric Department has been serving its customers with safe and reliable power since 1905. Burlington Electric is a recognized national leader in green energy with the recent milestone achievement of sourcing 100 percent of its power from renewable generation.. With a focus on low and stable rates and a commitment to energy efficiency, Burlington Electric’s 20,000 customers use less power today than they did in 1989. For more information about Burlington Electric, visit www.burlingtonelectric.com.
About Vermont Gas Systems
Vermont Gas Systems is a leader in energy efficiency and innovation, offering a clean, safe, affordable choice for over 50,000 homes, businesses, and institutions in Franklin, Chittenden and Addison counties. The company plays an important role in Vermont’s clean energy future by displacing higher-emitting fuels and with its award-winning energy efficiency programs. For more information about Vermont Gas visit www.VermontGas.com.
Efficiency Vermont Press Contact
Matthew Smith
Phone: (802) 540-7662
[email protected]