Reducing Energy Costs
Lower your monthly energy bills with energy efficient products, appliances and services designed specifically for income-qualified renters and homeowners.
Renters, homeowners and property owners can reduce energy bills by taking advantage of a range of free and reduced cost services, based on income.
Highlights
- Low-to-no-cost products and appliances for renters, property owners, and homeowners
- Free or reduced-cost weatherization services that can be paired with electrical efficiency services
- Low- and no-cost energy-saving tips
Energy-Saving Products and Services
Whether you rent or own your home, if a significant portion of your household income goes toward electric bills each month, you may qualify for free or reduced-cost products and services to help lower your bills. Service may include:
- Free or low-cost energy efficient household products and appliances
- A home visit with an energy professional to help you identify available energy-savings opportunities
- Replacement of eligible household products that may be impacting your electric bill
Income Qualifications
| Household Income Limit: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of People in Household | Vermont (applies to all counties not listed) | Chittenden, Franklin & Grand Isle | Addison | ||
| 1 | $55,050 | $63,600 | $55,550 | ||
| 2 | $62,900 | $72,700 | $63,450 | ||
| 3 | $70,750 | $81,800 | $71,400 | ||
| 4 | $78,600 | $90,850 | $79,300 | ||
| 5 | $84,900 | $98,150 | $85,650 | ||
| 6 | $91,200 | $105,400 | $92,000 | ||
| 7 | $97,500 | $112,700 | $98,350 | ||
| 8 | $103,800 | $119,950 | $104,700 | ||
* Household income will be confirmed during your conversation with our Customer Support team.
Weatherization Assistance
The State’s Weatherization Assistance Program offers free services including energy audits, insulation and air sealing. Efficiency Vermont also partners with the state to offer additional services that may include the replacement of outdated appliances and lighting.
Eligibility for the Weatherization Assistance Program
Eligibility is based on income or other factors. Get started by reviewing the Weatherization Assistance Program eligibility guidelines and completing an application through the Department for Children and Families.
Review Department of Children and Families' Weatherization Assistance Program eligibility
If you do not qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, Efficiency Vermont may still be able to help through our Home Energy Loan which features low or no-interest financing, plus weatherization incentives through our Home Performance with Energy Star program.
Mobile Home Weatherization
Insulating and air sealing your mobile home saves energy, lowers your utility bills, and makes your mobile home less drafty and more comfortable to live in. Income-qualified mobile homeowners and renters are eligible to receive free duct sealing, roof, and floor insulation through your local weatherization agency or Vermont Gas. Even if your household income exceeds the limit, you may still be eligible to receive up to 75% off the cost of the work.
- Free insulation and duct sealing for income-qualified households
- See up to a 20% reduction on future energy bills
- Get rebates on energy-efficient appliances and more
Looking for a longer-term solution? Replace your mobile home with a zero energy modular home
Energy Tips for Renters
Income-qualified renters can request free energy-saving products and appliances to reduce their monthly bills and carbon footprint. If your household income exceeds the limit, talk to your property owner. See if they’re willing to contact us, and we can help determine if the rental qualifies for free or discounted weatherization services and products. Energy efficiency upgrades often lower costs for both renters and owners, saving money and reducing maintenance issues for everyone involved.
Home Energy Loan
The Home Energy Loan is a fast, easy, and flexible way to finance home weatherization and heating improvements. These can include cold-climate heat pumps, air sealing and insulation, solar hot water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and advanced wood heating.
- Low-interest loans of up to $20,000, with 100% financing available
- Can be processed in as little as two business days
- Low-to-no closing costs (can be rolled into loan), loan terms of up to 15 years
Transportation Assistance through Electric Vehicles (EVs)
To help cut your transportation costs and stretch your monthly budget, the following statewide offers are available to qualifying low-income customers:
- MileageSmart program: A high-efficiency, used vehicle incentive program for lower income households is available to income-eligible Vermonters and offers 25% of the purchase price, up to $5,000, on several EV models.
- Additional State of Vermont and Utility incentives for EVs, which have income-eligibility bonuses.