Summer 2023 Program Changes & Reminders

Efficiency Vermont Program Updates & Reminders:

Better Building by Design 2024: CALL FOR PRESENTERS & SPONSORS

Efficiency Vermont invites you to submit a proposal to present at our 2024 Better Building by Design (BBD) Conference, scheduled for April 3 & 4 at the DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington, VT.

All proposals to present must be submitted online by end of day Friday, July 7, 2023 in order to be considered. All submitters will be notified of acceptance by mid-August.

In addition, BBD 2024 sponsors are wanted and sponsor registration is NOW OPEN. To learn more about available BBD sponsorships, please review the BBD 2024 sponsorship brochure.  If you have questions, please review the BBD 2024 Exhibitor & Sponsor FAQ document.

BBD 2024 exhibitor registration will open on October 1, 2023.

VFD Contractor Incentive Offer

Efficiency Vermont continues to offer an incentive to contractors who identify Variable Frequency Drive (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 and 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. Offer is subject to change.

Enhanced Lighting Rebates Available for Dairy Farms

Efficiency Vermont is offering enhanced custom lighting installation incentives to dairy farmers to offset the cost of installation. Dairy Farmers must apply directly to Efficiency Vermont for an enhanced custom installation incentive. Please advise your customers to contact Efficiency Vermont at (888) 921-5990 to apply for the enhanced installation rebates. 

Program Eligibility:

• All agricultural lighting equipment must be purchased in 2023.
• All equipment must be installed before December 1, 2023. 
• Must provide Efficiency Vermont with operational information and receipts.
• SmartLight (point of purchase) rebate amounts are fixture dependent.  Not all fixtures will receive the same rebate amount. Call Efficiency Vermont to learn more: (888) 921-5990. 

How does the program work?

• Dairy Farm contacts Efficiency Vermont about lighting project by phone or email to sign up for the enhanced rebates.
• Dairy Farm purchases lights from either SmartLight distributor or local distributor.
• Dairy Farm submits receipts and operational information to Efficiency Vermont.
• Dairy Farm receives the enhanced rebates directly from Efficiency Vermont after confirming that installation is complete. 

Rebates Offered:

• SmartLight (point of purchase) Rebates range from $35 - $120, fixture dependent.
• Installation rebates cannot exceed $70/fixture.
• Please check with Efficiency Vermont if you have any questions prior to purchasing.

Integrated Controls for Ductless Minisplit Heat Pumps

Efficiency Vermont manages a program to support the installation of integrated controls at the time of installation of new ductless mini splits in single family homes. Integrated controls allow the homeowner to control their ductless mini-split and central heating system through a single thermostat. The integrated controls optimize the use of the heat pump, switching on the central system when it becomes much colder outside and the heat pump can no longer cover the load, or its efficiency significantly declines.

The rebate is up to $600 per installation (residential only), with a $150 minimum customer contribution. A $200 trade ally incentive is also offered to installers for each qualified rebate submitted.

Trade Partner (EEN Member) Program Participation Requirements:

Program participation requires following a short program overview training, manufacturer's product-specific training(s), and enrolling in the EEN integrated controls subgroup with documentation to demonstrate training completion.

Visit here for additional information.

From our partners:

Burlington Electric Department (BED)

BED and 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
• If a house is heated mostly with oil, kerosene, propane, wood, pellets, or electricity, then contact the BED Team at [email protected]

Please visit the BED website to see all 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
• Please send any questions to: [email protected]

Green Mountain Power (GMP)

VT Community EVSE Grant Program: Request for Proposals for Partner Installers

Green Mountain Power (GMP) is administering a statewide EVSE grant program with $7 million in funding available for applicants in any distribution utility territory to install Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging at workplaces, multiunit housing, and public attractions. Applications for funding will be accepted from July 6, 2023, through January 2026 or until all funding is awarded, whichever is first.

GMP is seeking engaged installation partners across Vermont to provide project management and turnkey EVSE installations to successful program applicants. The RFP is available here.

Proposal submissions are due on July 7th. Completed proposals and any questions can be sent to [email protected].