Spring 2023 Program Changes & Reminders

LAST CALL! Better Building by Design 2023 

Register today for the Better Building by Design (BBD) conference happening on April 5th & 6th in South Burlington, Vermont. One full day of BBD attendance gives you 8 continuing education credits, and access to BPI and AIA credit approved sessions. 

VFD Contractor Incentive Offer 

Efficiency Vermont is pleased to announce a new offer for Contractors who identify VFD opportunities at Vermont commercial businesses. 

We know that you come across VFD opportunities when you are on site to do other work. Your time is valuable, and we want to incentivize you to take the time to collect the required motor information and create a project proposal. 

Efficiency Vermont is offering up to $30/motor hp*, which includes:  

• $10 for submitting a verified opportunity & project proposal to Efficiency Vermont 
• $20 after project completion.  

The Intake Form is available here: Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for HVAC Equipment | Efficiency Vermont by clicking the “Contractor Incentive Form” button. 

Any qualified contractor doing business in the state of Vermont is eligible.  Submissions must be reviewed by Efficiency Vermont staff prior to initial payment Contact your Efficiency Vermont representative for more information or the Program Manager (Phil Bickel: [email protected]).  

*The offer is available for new VFDs that have been installed in 2023 and this offer lasts through 12/31/2023. 

From our partners: 

Burlington Electric Department: 

BED & VGS continue weatherization rebate partnership in 2023  

• As ductless heat pumps become more common in Burlington, many buildings will be hybrid space heaters ( partial electric heat pump and partial natural gas).  BED and VGS recognize that many of these buildings would benefit greatly from professional weatherization upgrades.   
• BED and VGS have developed a streamlined process to split the customer rebate.  
• Customers will receive the same total rebate amount (based on VGS’s current rebate levels) but may get a check from BED and one from VGS.  
• Please send any questions to: [email protected]  or VGS staff can also answer any questions. 

BED is now offering the Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program (WRAP) 

• With WRAP, a homeowner can make weatherization improvements and then make monthly payments through their monthly BED or VGS bill over a period of up to 15 years.  This is a two-year pilot program funded by the state and overseen by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA).  
• Qualifying weatherization projects can include insulation and air sealing, as well as heat pumps and advanced wood heating systems (when combined with weatherization improvements). The WRAP monthly charge can stay with the home’s account if the dwelling is sold. 
• If a house is heated mostly with natural gas (VGS), then contact the VGS Team at https://vgsvt.com/climate/energy-evaluation/ [vgsvt.com] 
• If a house is heated mostly with oil, kerosene, propane, wood, pellets, or electricity, then contact the BED Team at [email protected] 

BED 2023 rebates 

• BED is pleased to announce new rebates for Heat or Energy Recovery Ventilators (HRV/ERV) 
• There will be two rebate tiers based on the efficiency rating of the equipment, $750  & $950 (Additional $300 for income qualified customers) 
• Please visit the BED website to see all available incentives:   https://www.burlingtonelectric.com/rebates [burlingtonelectric.com] 
• Please send any questions to: [email protected] 

Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) 

In response to conversations with heating contractors, VGS has increased its 2023 rebates for energy-efficient natural-gas boilers, furnaces, and water heaters.  This is in addition to a bonus rebate for income-qualified customers.  These higher rebate amounts are guaranteed for equipment installed by 8/31/2023.  VGS will evaluate whether we can maintain these increased incentives through the end of 2023 over the summer.  2023 rebate levels, an online submission form, and rebate forms can be found here: https://vgsvt.com/savings/residentialrebate/ [vgsvt.com] 

Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) 

The Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) is a new grant program funded by the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS) and administered by regional planning commissions to help communities across the State become more energy resilient. MERP will provide $45M in funding to help reduce municipal building energy usage, operating costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Home Depot Foundation Scholarships 

The Home Depot Foundation announced an investment of $200,000 in trade school scholarships for women. The Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro Scholarship for Women will provide $4,000 in financial assistance to women entering or currently enrolled in construction trades programs.