Vermont has many programs and services that may be able to help you heat and cool your building more efficiently. Some of these programs offer tips, while others provide the analysis and recommendations you need for a complete energy retrofit.
Financial incentives that are available include rebates and low-interest loans for energy-saving improvements. Some of these programs may serve specific regions; others are available statewide. Additionally, some incentives are program-based (money back on appliances, for example) and others are performance-based (such as meeting certain improvement standards). Some offers may only be available for a limited time, and some require you to pay upfront for the upgrades before you can receive a rebate or tax credit. You may want to research here and elsewhere to learn more about how such programs work before you invest.
You will find information in this section that can help you connect and get started. You can also visit the Tools & Resources page for links to online rebate finders, incentive databases and more incentive and financing information.
Quick Links
Incentives and Rebates - If you are interested in learning more about efficiency incentives and rebates for your home or business, please find your energy provider below and click on the link to discover what there is for you.
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Efficiency Vermont (also known as EVT and operated by Vermont Energy Investment Corporation) is the electric energy efficiency utility for most of the state: (888) 921-5990
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Burlington Electric Department (BED) is the electric energy efficiency utility in its territory: (802) 865-7300
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Vermont Gas (VGS) is the natural gas energy efficiency utility in its territory: (802) 863-4511
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Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) offers incentives for qualified advanced wood heating equipment through the Small Scale Renewable Energy Investment Program, managed by the Renewable Energy Resource Center. RERC Toll Free Hotline: 1 (877) 888-7372 Email: info@rerc-vt.org
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The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) maintans a comprehensive list of incentives and rebates for all wood heating systems. Download the handout at the bottom of the FPR webpage here.
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Federal Government: Energy.gov keeps track of the latest energy-related tax and rebate offers from the states and federal government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development offers grants and financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for single and multifamily homes, commercial properties and other businesses.
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Delivered Fuel Providers, Co-Ops and Fuel Group Organizations: See, the Energy Coop of Vermont, the Ruth Clark Fuel Group, and the VHEAT Fuel Buying Program offered through Vermont State Employees Credit Union.
Income-Based Program Links
- VT Office Of Economic Opportunity (OEO)
- Weatherization Assistance Program Phone: (802) 241-0935
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The City of Burlington Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) offers the Emergency Repair Loans Program and Homeowners Rehabilitation Loans Program. Phone: (802) 734-2612
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NeighborWorks of Western Vermont (NWWVT) helps Vermonters implement home energy improvements with an affordable home energy loan. Phone: (802) 438-2303; email: info@nwwvt.org
Planning Ahead
You may want to keep the following tips in mind while planning your thermal energy efficiency projects:
- There are times when health and safety concerns should be addressed along with your efficiency improvements. You will find more information on the Health & Safety page. Many of the financing options allow you to include these repairs. There are a number of resources which offer technical and financial assistance to help with problems such as asbestos and lead paint removal, indoor air quality, and excess moisture issues. Available programs include:
- The Vermont Healthy Homes Program, through the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB), addresses mold, lead, allergens, asthma, carbon monoxide, home safety, pesticides, and radon. Their Lead Program provides free technical assistance in the form of comprehensive lead paint testing, risk assessment, specification development, bidding and contractor selection assistance, construction management, clearance testing, and follow-up inspections.
- In Vermont, W. R. Grace funds the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust, which provides reimbursement for the asbestos abatement costs of eligible claimants.
- New construction offers a great opportunity for building efficiency into your plans. Many lenders now also offer buyers the option of including the cost of energy upgrades in their mortgages. This can be a good way to enjoy the benefits of the improvements immediately, but pay for them over the life of the loan. New Construction programs are available through the Energy Efficiency Utilities (Burlington Electric Department, Efficiency Vermont and Vermont Gas). In addition, the Energy Code Assistance Center provides free technical assistance on how to meet the requirements of the current Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards. Contact them at (855) 887-0673. More information on the Vermont Building Energy Standards is available on the Department of Public Service Building Energy Standards website.
- Regardless of your income, you may also want to contact your electric or natural gas utility or delivered fuel provider to ask about available energy efficiency programs and incentives. Your electric, gas, or fuel bill should list contact information for the company, and may also include information about special promotions or programs that may be running. You can find the list of electric utilities on the Rebates & Financial Incentives page.
Learn More
Visit the pages below to learn more about Programs & Incentives:
