Community & Economic Partnerships

We partner with business and community groups, nonprofits, and schools to help all Vermonters save energy.

To help Vermonters learn about energy efficiency, we work with the organizations and groups they connect with every day—like local nonprofits, chambers of commerce, schools, and town energy committees. These collaborative partnerships help us ensure that everyone in Vermont has access to resources and guidance on how to save energy at home, at work, and in their communities.

Highlights

Unbiased, third-party advice from a trusted authority on energy efficiency
Training, guidance, and technical assistance for nonprofits, communities, and business groups
Employee presentations to promote a culture of energy efficiency in your company or organization

Targeted Communities

In 2018, Efficiency Vermont will be on the ground in Springfield and Newport. Residents and businesses in the area will have access to enhanced services, including community trainings and events, and free energy assessments.

These offerings are part of a larger outreach effort to help Vermont’s vital downtown businesses thrive through strategic energy investments. Read our blog post for more information.

Nonprofit Organizations

In partnership with The Burlington Electric Department, we award annual grants to nonprofit organizations serving lower-income Vermonters. Through the Vermont Community Energy Partnership Program we provide resources and hands-on training to these nonprofits. In turn, they help their clients identify opportunities to save energy and take action—from implementing low-cost do-it-yourself projects to comprehensive weatherization.

Trainings and materials for nonprofit service providers, so they can help their clients save energy and money
Grant funding and other resources awarded through an annual RFP process
Free weatherization services and efficient products available for low-income Vermonters (see Whole Building Services for more)

Community Energy Groups

In partnership with the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN), the Energy Action Network (EAN), and other clean energy organizations, we support grass-roots efforts to advance sustainable energy solutions at the community level. We provide guidance, educational materials and, in some cases, training and grants to catalyze action.

Examples include:

Offering trainings to dozens of employers and community groups on how to save energy at home and at work
Support for VECAN’s annual conference, connecting more than 100 town energy committees with trainings and ideas to drive action in their communities
Support to three Vermont communities competing for the national Georgetown University Energy Prize, a $5 million award for the community that drives the deepest and most sustainable energy savings over a two-year period

Municipalities and Schools

Vermont municipalities and schools turn to us for help improving the efficiency of their streetlighting, public buildings, and water and wastewater treatment plants. This directly benefits local taxpayers by reducing municipal energy costs while improving public infrastructure. In addition, we partner with the Vermont Energy Education Program to promote energy literacy in schools and support infrastructure improvements, turning schools into laboratories to inspire learning on sustainable energy.

Access technical assistance and incentives to help your town and school save energy and money
Reduce energy costs for your town and constraints on its municipal budget
Connect with schools and educators for hands-on learning

Business Associations

We provide business associations and economic development organizations with technical guidance and training in energy efficiency. As a result, they’re able help their members reduce energy usage and lower the cost of doing business. We also partner with the Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development (ACCD). By leveraging our resources—including rebates, services, and other incentives—we’re enhancing the economic vitality of Vermont’s downtowns.

Assistance for business and trade groups to help them educate and serve their members
Special support for downtowns in partnership with ACCD
In-person presentations on energy efficiency for business and economic development groups