Q&A: Energy Audit

Q&A: Rebates on equipment and incentives to weatherize

Q&A: Energy efficiency tips

Vermont Gas Systems’ strong belief in energy efficiency is a key component of the company’s operating principles.  As part of its commitment to the efficient use of energy, Vermont Gas has offered  “Demand-Side Management” (DSM) programs to both residential and commercial customers since 1992.  Collectively known as the "Energy Extenders".

Whether you're building a new home, trying to save energy in an existing home, or installing a new furnace, boiler, or hot water heater, Vermont Gas has efficiency experts on staff and three distinct residential energy efficiency programs to help you make the best decisions for your specific situation.

Retrofit Program
New Construction Program
Equipment Replacement Program
Plumbing, Heating & Chimney Liner Contractors

Retrofit Program
The Retrofit Program is designed to help customers with larger than average gas usage find ways to improve the efficiency of their homes. Vermont Gas customers whose homes use over 1400 ccf per year of natural gas are eligible for this program, as are multi-family buildings where the total building usage is 1400 ccf/year or greater. Vermont Gas provides financial incentives to encourage qualifying customers to install cost effective energy conservation measures.

A Free energy audit is performed on each participating building to identify potential energy saving measures. The auditor looks at existing insulation levels, evaluates building air-tightness, and tests the heating system efficiency. Potential improvements are modeled using a computer audit tool to determine the costs of installing the improvements and to estimate the savings that may result. Building owners are then provided with a written report summarizing the audit results and detailing the incentives available. The report also includes a list of contractors and the specifications needed for contractor bidding. Customers have the choice of obtaining competitive bids, or having VGS assign a pre-screened contractor to do the work.

This program has been designed to encourage the installation of significant building improvements that will have a long-term impact on the energy efficiency of structures. Typical measures may include blown-in cellulose insulation for walls and ceilings, and specific air sealing measures designed to make houses less drafty. In some cases, heating system and distribution improvements are also recommended.

Typically Vermont Gas will rebate 33 1/3% of the installed cost of the recommended measures and provide a reduced interest loan through the Opportunities Credit Union for the balance. Currently, customers are offered loans at 0% interest for up to 3 years, 2% interest for up to 5 years, or 4% interest for up to 7 years.

Low-income customers are referred to the Champlain Valley Weatherization Service (CVWS) for priority assistance. CVWS determines the customer's income status and eligibility, performs the energy audit, submits the recommended measures to VGS for screening, and coordinates the installation of the cost-effective energy saving measures. VGS shares the costs of these jobs with CVWS.

Click here to see if your home qualifies for a free energy audit.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT US AT: efficiency@vermontgas.com

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New Construction Program
Vermont Gas is committed to working with both builders and homebuyers in supporting the construction of highly efficient new homes in our service territory. To this end, Vermont Gas developed Vermont ENERGY STAR® Homes in partnership with Efficiency Vermont, Vermont's electric efficiency utility. Services provided to Vermont ENERGY STAR® Homes participants include no-cost technical assistance and home energy ratings, assistance complying with Vermont's Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES), free construction inspection to identify potential insulation and air leakage problems (Vermont Gas participants only), final inspection and blower door test for air tightness, cash incentives for meeting minimum program standards, and bonus incentives for installing efficient appliances and additional high efficiency lighting.

To qualify for incentives, participating homes must meet all of the following standards:

• The home should achieve a Home Energy Rating score of 80 points or less using the National Home Energy Rating Scale. (HERS).

• It must pass a thermal bypass inspection.

• There must be a minimum of four energy efficient lighting fixtures installed with pin based fluorescent bulbs in moderate to high use locations (no closets, garages, unfinished basements, etc.).

• If forced-air heating equipment is used, the hard-ducted cold air returns must be used above the first floor deck.

• Heating equipment must be sealed combustion or power vented and meet ENERGY STAR® qualifications.

• The house must use an efficient mechanical ventilation system that meets the RBES requirements and the Vermont Energy Code.


For a detailed description of Vermont ENERGY STAR® Homes, go to www.vermontenergystarhomes.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT US AT: efficiency@vermontgas.com

NOTE: Multiple boiler/furnace systems and non-conventional designs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

 Efficiency Vermont: (1-888-921-5990 x2000)

-Certain furnaces, water tanks and appliances may qualify for rebates from Efficiency Vermont.

Follow these steps to receive a rebate:

• Call Vermont Gas to verify that you are eligible for a rebate. You will need to provide us with documentation of heating fuel consumption for one year if you are switching to natural gas from another fuel.
  
  
• Provide Vermont Gas the contractor's proposal. Please provide Energy Services Department the signed proposal of the contractor used for the installation of your high efficiency heating equipment. You may fax that to 802-863-8872.
  
  
• Notify Vermont Gas that the installation is complete. Call customer service at 863-4511 x250 and ask for a “Rebate inspection”- We will schedule a VGS service technician to inspect the installation at no charge to you.
  
  
• BURLINGTON RESIDENTS ONLY: Vermont Gas will need a copy of your Mechanical Permit in order to provide a rebate. Your contractor should be able to assist you in obtaining the permit, or call the Burlington Public Works Department at 863-9094.
  
• Upon completion of steps 1 to 3, we will issue a rebate check!

For your convenience here is a list of some of the local natural gas certified contractors; however you may use the contractor of your choice provided they are natural gas certified. Your contractor should complete a Heat Loss Analysis to select appropriately sized heating equipment for your home.

Please call 863-4511 x321 BEFORE installing your furnace, boiler, or water heater to make sure that you are eligible for a REBATE! Rebate requests must be made within two weeks of the completed installation of equipment.

Rebate amounts and eligibility criteria are valid for projects approved by Vermont Gas before March 31, 2008. Rebate requests after March 31st are subject to program new rates.

Click here for a brochure on automatic and programmable thermostats that tells you how to achieve additional energy savings of 3% to 10% per year. Vermont Gas can install a programmable thermostat for you. Please call customer service at 863-4511 for scheduling; or contact your plumbing & heating contractor.

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