Vermont

Vermont offers an investment tax credit for installations of renewable energy equipment on business properties. The credit is equal to 24% of the "Vermont-property portion" of the federal business energy tax credit from 2011 to 2016. For solar, small wind, and fuel cells this constitutes a 7.2% state-level credit for systems and for geothermal, microturbines, and combined heat and power systems, this constitutes a 2.4% state-level tax credit.* Any unused tax credit may not be carried forward.

History

Vermont created this credit starting for Tax Year 2002 and provided an additional incentive for solar investments for Tax Year 2008 (via S.B. 209). The solar specific tax credit was amended several times (by the Vermont Energy Act of 2009 (H. 313, May 2009), by HB 781 in June 2010 and again by HB 56 in May 2011). The solar credit was equal to 100% of the "Vermont-property portion" of the federal business energy tax credit for solar from 2008 through 2010. In effect, this constituted a 30% state-level credit for solar during those years. The Vermont Department of Taxes issued Technical Bulletin 45 relating to the solar tax credit (July 2009 updated July 2010) provides additional guidance. As of 2012, the solar business tax credit has expired and the investment tax credit remains.  

*The federal investment tax credit (ITC) for solar, small wind, and fuel cells is 30% of expenditures and for geothermal systems, microturbines, and combined heat and power the ITC is 10% of expenditures.Vermont's investment tax credit is equal to 24% of the federal ITC for these technologies.

Note: The Federal Housing Financing Agency (FHFA) issued a statement in July 2010 concerning the senior lien status associated with most PACE programs. In response to the FHFA statement, most local PACE programs around the country have been suspended. Vermont's 2011 amendments addressed many of FHFA concerns and, as amended PACE is expected to ramp-up in Vermont during 2012. Furthermore, legislation enacted in May 2012 authorizes the Department of Public Service in collaboration with other state agencies and stakeholders to study the costs, benefits, and feasibility of expanding Vermont PACE to include commercial real estate. That study is expected by January 15, 2013.

Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing effectively allows property owners to borrow money to pay for energy improvements. The amount borrowed is typically repaid via a special assessment on the property over a period of up to 20 years. Vermont has authorized local governments to establish such programs, as described below. As of March 2012, there are no active PACE financing programs in Vermont; although 35 municipalities have passed local ordinances that will make it possible. Program implementation is expected in 2012.

Vermont authorizes local governments to create Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Districts to provide financing to owners of a "dwelling" for renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects. The Vermont definition of dwelling comes from the federal Truth in Lending Act, and is applicable to residential properties (not commercial properties). Voter approval is required to establish a PACE district. Eligible renewable-energy technologies include solar water and space heating, photovoltaics (PV), biomass energy heating systems, small wind systems, and micro-hydroelectric systems.* Eligible energy-efficiency projects have been determined by Efficiency Vermont and Burlington Electric Department** and include efficiency measures that are permanently attached to the property and reduce the net energy requirements of the building. Some examples include insulation and blower-door guided air sealing, window replacements/renovations, energy efficiency heating systems, among others. See Eligibility of Projects for Vermont Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing for detailed information.

Property owners may opt-in to a program by signing a contract with the municipality's district. The contract specifies the amount of the loan, the terms of repayment and the associated risks (the language of the contract must include certain provisions, according to the Vermont law on PACE Districts). Participating property owners will be required to conduct an energy audit to quantify project costs, energy savings and carbon impacts. Properties that have successfully participated in formal energy efficiency programs may be able to waive the full energy audit requirement for thermal envelope improvements and instead be eligible based on energy performance criteria.

Participating property owners must agree to a special assessment and lien on the property and pay a one-time, non-refundable fee (equal to 2% of the assessment) to support the reserve fund created to cover losses in the event of foreclosure of participating properties. (Efficiency Vermont will administer the reserve funds.) The municipality may release a lien on a property once the property owner has met the terms of the loan.

The Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration (BISHCA) of Vermont has established underwriting criteria and standards as well as established rules on the reserve fund supported by participating property owners, as required per the law.

Legislation passed in May 2011 (H.B. 56) made several important improvements to Vermont's PACE legislation, which was originally passed in 2009. The legislation specifies that PACE liens are subordinate to existing liens and first mortgages but superior to any other liens on the property recorded after the PACE lien is recorded (except for municipal liens, which also take precedence over the PACE lien). This has been done in direct response to the FHFA statement concerning the senior lien status, which was previously in place in Vermont. In addition, the legislation creates the state PACE reserve fund, in addition to the reserve fund supported by participating property owners.  An amount equal to 5% of the assessment (not to exceed $1 million) will be transferred from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative/Forward Capacity Market funds to an escrow account maintained by the State Treasurer. This account will provide funds to cover 90% of losses due to defaults of participating properties not covered by the reserve account. The main purpose of the state PACE reserve fund is to reduce risk for potential investors interested in investing in a municipality to finance a PACE district.  

Additional resources are available on the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation's web site.

*The definition of renewable energy comes from 30 V.S.A. § 8002.

**Efficiency Vermont and the Burlington Electric Department are the state's Energy Efficiency Utilities, tasked with providing energy efficiency services to Vermont electric customers. See DSIRE's entry on Efficiency Vermont for more information.

Green Mountain Power, an investor-owned electric utility operating in Vermont, offers a credit to customers with net-metered photovoltaic (PV) systems. In addition to the benefits of net metering, Green Mountain Power customers with a PV system receive a credit of $0.06 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated by the system. This credit is available to all customers of Green Mountain Power. The incentive does not have a specified duration or expiration date.

In order to net meter, customers must first apply for and receive a "Net Metering Certificate of Public Good" from the Vermont Public Service Board (PSB). Net metering in Vermont is generally available to systems up to 500 kilowatts (kW) in capacity. An additional meter must be installed to record each system's output. Customers retain ownership of the renewable-energy credits (RECs) associated with the electricity generated by PV systems.

Interested customers should contact customer service at 888-835-4672 for more information.

Note: The standard offer rates and long-term contracts for renewable energy described below were established originally by legislation (H.B. 446) enacted in May 2009. The Vermont Public Service Board has opened two new dockets to make changes as required per legislation passed in May 2012 (Act 170, S.B. 214). See dockets 7873 and 7874 for the latest information.

In May 2009, Vermont enacted legislation requiring all Vermont retail electricity providers to purchase electricity generated by eligible renewable energy facilities through the Sustainably Priced Energy Enterprise Development (SPEED) Program via long-term contracts with fixed standard offer rates. This policy, commonly known as a "feed-in tariff," is intended to provide a reasonable return on investment to renewable energy facility developers, thereby spurring deployment of renewable energy.

Eligible renewable energy facilities are certain qualifying SPEED resources (including solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas, farm methane derived from agricultural operations and energy crops, and hydropower facilities) up to 2.2 megawatts (MW) in capacity that are commissioned on or after September 30, 2009. SPEED projects must apply for and be granted a "Certificate of Public Good." Legislation enacted in June 2010 simplifies that process for projects 150 kW and less, conforming to the "Certificate of Public Good for Net Metered Systems." Eligible wood biomass resources may only receive the standard offer if the plant's system efficiency is 50% or greater.

The Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) established interim standard offer rates and final standard offer rates. Some contracts were signed during the time when the interim standard offer rates were in effect. Yet, some of those initially awarded projects withdrew from the queue. The standard offer final rate was established in January 2010.  In 2012, a review of the 2010 pricing was completed (Docket 7780) and new rates were implemented for solar and small wind only. The other technology rates remained unchanged from the approved January 2010 rate schedule.  The rates listed below are the levelized rates, there are specific rates per year as outlined in the price schedule. The rates listed below will change again, as the PSB is required to determine the new pricing mechanism and implement pricing requirements by March 2013, per S.B. 214 (Act 170), enacted in May 2012. 

The long-term contracts are 10 to 25 years for solar and 10 to 20 years for all other technologies. As a condition of the standard offer, the renewable energy credits (RECs) generated are transferred to the retail electric provider that purchases the power from the renewable energy facility, except in the case of a facility using methane from agricultural operations. In that case, the plant owner retains ownership of the RECs and may sell them if desired. Retail electric providers and owners of renewable energy facilities may enter into voluntary contracts with different terms than the standard offer contract terms at their discretion. The PSB is required to establish standard offer contract and pricing for existing hydroelectric plants by January 15, 2013. (The capacity of existing hydro will not count toward the cumulative program cap.)

The PSB issues annual reports on the SPEED Standard Offer Program to the legislature every January. The first report of the standard offer to the legislature in January 2011. The second report was issued in January 2012.

Legislation enacted in May 2012 (S.B. 214 / Act 170) expanded the Standard Offer Program. The original program cap of 50 MW was increased to 127.5 MW. Starting April 1, 2013, there will be annual increases to the program cap, until the 127.50 MW cumulative capacity is reached. The schedule for annual increases is as follows, and may be adjusted to account for greenhouse gas reduction credits, as provided for in the law:

• April 1, 2013: 55 MW
• April 1, 2014: 60 MW
• April 1, 2015: 65 MW
• April 1, 2016: 72.5 MW
• April 1, 2017: 80 MW
• April 1, 2018: 87.5 MW
• April 1, 2019: 97.5 MW
• April 1, 2020: 107.5 MW
• April 1, 2021: 117.5 MW
• April 1, 2022: 127.5 MW

The changes to the Standard Offer program as stipulated by legislation enacted in May 2012 will not be complete until the PSB establishes the new pricing mechanism. The docket for that process has not been opened yet.

Vermont allows municipalities the option of offering an exemption from the municipal real and personal property taxes for certain renewable energy systems (Note: state property taxes would still apply). Eligible systems include, but are not limited to, "windmills, facilities for the collection of solar energy or the conversion of organic matter to methane, net-metered systems ... and all component parts thereof including land upon which the facility is located, not to exceed one-half acre." Adoption of this exemption varies by municipality, but the exemption generally applies to the total value of the qualifying renewable energy system and can be applied to residential, commercial, and industrial real and personal property.

During the 2012 legislative session, Vermont passed a 100% property tax exemption for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems up to and including 10 kilowatts (kW). For systems greater than 10 kW, the state assesses a uniform $4 per kilowatt (kW). This applies to the equipment, not to the land.

The 100% exemption for small PV systems expires January 1, 2023, although a study will be completed by January 15, 2021 recommending whether or not the exemption should be continued beyond the expiration date and whether or not the $4/kW uniform rate should be amended.

It should be noted that the tax exemption and uniform assessment applies to the state-level property taxes (the state education property tax); municipal property taxes may still apply. Consult with the local municipal assessor to verify.

For a discussion of Vermont's property tax system and the recommendations to the legislature prior to this law's enactment, see the January 17, 2012 report by the Vermont Division of Property Valuation and Review and the Vermont Commissioner of Public Service: "Valuation of Renewable Energy Property, Report on the (Sec. 12 of Act 45 of 2011)"

Vermont's sales tax exemption for renewable-energy systems, originally enacted as part of the Miscellaneous Tax Reduction Act of 1999 (H. 0548), initially applied only to net-metered systems. The exemption now generally applies to systems up to 250 kilowatts (kW) in capacity that generate electricity using eligible "renewable energy" resources (as defined under 30 V.S.A. § 8002), to micro-combined heat and power (CHP) systems up to 20 kW, and to solar water-heating systems. The exemption is available for grid-tied systems and off-grid systems alike. Vermont's sales tax rate is 6%.

"Renewable energy" is defined under 30 V.S.A. § 8002 as "energy produced using a technology that relies on a resource that is being consumed at a harvest rate at or below its natural regeneration rate." Biogas from sewage-treatment plants and landfills, and anaerobic digestion of agricultural products, byproducts and wastes are explicitly included. (The term "renewable energy" explicitly excludes solid waste that is not agricultural or silvicultural, as well as nuclear fuel, coal, oil, propane and natural gas.)

The Vermont Business Energy Conservation Loan Program is a joint-effort between Efficiency Vermont and the Vermont Economic Development Authority. Vermont businesses (including non-profits) involved in manufacturing (or processing and assembly of products), hospitality, services, farms, and retail are eligible, as long as they are 51% owned by US Citizens. Projects must improve the energy efficiency of the building, and improvements to thermal envelope, power, heating, ventilation and cooling systems, lighting, and energy efficiency HVAC equipment are generally eligible. In addition, companies who conduct energy audits would be eligible for loans on equipment needed to carry out their work. Efficiency Vermont will verify the cost-effectiveness of the proposed efficiency upgrades as part of the application process. Loan applicants are encouraged to also apply for Efficiency Vermont incentives to lower the overall amount of the loan.

Application materials for the 2013 program are pending. Contact Efficiency Vermont directly before making investment decisions.

In Vermont, agricultural operations are eligible for prescriptive and customized incentives on equipment proven to help make farms more efficient. Prescriptive rebates are available for lighting ($20 to $750, depending on the type of fixture or lighting) and for a variety of equipment including plate coolers, variable speed milk transfer systems, heat recovery units, milk vacuum pumps VFD and sap vacuum pumps VFD. Several rebates target dairy farmers specifically.

Customized rebates may be available for additional items. Efficiency Vermont is available to work with agricultural operations to find the best opportunities for efficiency upgrades. Call Efficiency Vermont at: 888-921-5990 ext. 1053 to talk with the Farm Project Manager.  All projects must first reserve rebates and any projects over $5,000 must be pre-approved.

Note: Customers of Burlington Electric Department (BED) should contact BED directly.

Application materials for the 2013 program are pending. Contact Efficiency Vermont directly before making investment decisions.

Incentives for energy efficient commercial lighting equipment as well as commercial LED lighting equipment are available to businesses under the Efficiency Vermont Lighting and LED Lighting Incentive Programs. Eligible measures are listed on the program application, but others may be available to receive a rebate if the applicant contacts Efficiency Vermont for pre-approval.

If a customer has more than 10,000 square feet of space to renovate, or more than 100 items that could qualify for rebates, or the total rebate amount will be greater than $5000, the customer should contact Efficiency Vermont directly for pre-approval. Customers serviced by the Burlington Electric Department (BED) must seek pre-approval for all projects and must return the rebate form to BED directly. Applicants must comply with eligibility requirements, use only the eligible equipment, and follow all terms and conditions.

Application materials for the 2013 program are pending. Contact Efficiency Vermont directly before making investment decisions.

Efficiency Vermont offers financial incentives for custom energy efficient measures and energy efficient design. Design incentives are used to help cover part of the cost of using integrated design methods. Often, these incentives are used to cover the costs of added meetings, advanced lighting design and whole building energy simulation modeling. Efficiency Vermont will provide support for new commercial buildings, including technical assistance at all phases of new construction (design, build, post), as well as prescriptive and custom financial incentives for efficient design, equipment and whole-building approach systems. Construction and building incentives may cover up to half the incremental cost between standard equipment and energy efficient equipment. To apply, contact Efficiency Vermont to talk with a representative about how these incentives can apply to different projects and custom measures that are not covered by other Efficiency Vermont programs.

Application materials for the 2013 program are pending. The following information is relevant to the 2012 program; terms and conditions may change. Contact Efficiency Vermont directly with questions regarding the 2013 program.

Efficiency Vermont offers rebates to encourage the installation of efficient compressors. Rebates amounts are dependent on the type of equipment. There is no set limit on the amount of rebates that a customer may take, but rebates above $5,000 will require pre-approval from Efficiency Vermont.

There are incentives for variable frequency drive screw compressors (10-40 HP), air receivers/tanks for load/no-load compressors, cycling refrigerated dryers (up to 200 CFM capacity), no-loss drains, and air-entraining air nozzles. Efficiency Vermont provides a list of "Compressed Air Eligible Products List" of products eligible for rebates. Certain products not on the list may be eligible pending a review by Efficiency Vermont. Custom rebates may be available. Customers of the Burlington Electric Department (BED) must seek pre-approval for all projects and must return the rebate form to BED directly. Applicants must comply with eligibility requirements, use only the eligible equipment, and follow all terms and conditions.

Application materials for the 2013 program are pending. The following information is relevant to the 2012 program; terms and conditions may change. Contact Efficiency Vermont directly with questions regarding the 2013 program.

For individuals building a new home, Efficiency Vermont offers free technical assistance and targeted rebates to help ensure that the home is as energy efficient as possible. The first step to the free technical assistance and possible financial incentives is to enroll in the Vermont Energy Star Homes program. After enrollment, Efficiency Vermont will review building plans and go over design to determine estimate energy costs for heating, cooling, hot water, lights and appliances. They will recommend ways to lower those costs and help the homeowner choose proper energy efficient equipment, lights and appliances.

Homeowners may qualify for Base Tier rebates, which provide a $200 rebate for installing two Energy Star appliances, a Home Energy Rating Certificate, and a Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards compliance certificate. In order to receive these incentives, owners must achieve a HERS score of 75 or lower, utilize Energy Star equipment for all major appliances, have Energy Star lighting in at least 50% of fixtures, as well as complete inspections involving air sealing and HVAC inspections.

To qualify for Higher Tier incentives, the home must meet all Basic Tier requirements, pass a more stringent air leakage test, have Energy Star qualified heating equipment that pass duct leakage criteria, earn a HERS score than meets or exceeds the Energy Star HERS target index, and must have Energy Star lighting in at least 80% of fixtures.

Vermont Gas Customers are also eligible for a $650 HERS-based incentive and additional rebates for achieving the minimum criteria; and customers of Washington Electric Cooperative may be eligible for $375 HERS-based incentive for achieving minimum criteria. Customers must contact those utilities directly for availability.


*For more information about home energy ratings, visit RESNET.

Note: The information below summarizes the 2012 program. The 2013 program materials have not yet been finalized. Check with Efficiency Vermont directly regarding incentive availability.

Efficiency Vermont works with homeowners on comprehensive energy efficiency projects and offers several incentives. The first step for individual homeowners is to contact Efficiency Vermont or select certified Home Performance with Energy Star contractor. A list of certified contractors is available at the Efficiency Vermont website. The contractor will review the energy efficiency upgrades recommended for the home and will conduct associated tests.

There are several levels of incentives. If the efficiency upgrades meet the minimum requirement, $250 rebate is available. The minimum requirements include at least a 10% air leakage reduction (as verified by a blower-door test) and installation of health and safety upgrades. Additional incentives, up to the maximum of $2000, are available for additional air sealing improvements, insulation, heat distribution and system improvements, and comprehensive retrofits. Once the improvements are complete and certified improvements made, the contractor will provide the homeowner with rebate application materials.

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Application materials for the 2013 program are pending. The following information is relevant to the 2012 program; terms and conditions may change. Contact Efficiency Vermont directly with questions regarding the 2013 program.

Efficiency Vermont offers rebates for commercial installations of high-efficiency HVAC equipment and controls. For businesses and purchases over $5,000, applicants  should seek pre-approval before purchasing and installing the measure. Residential standard rebates are available for split systems air conditioning systems, furnace fan motors, and central wood pellet boilers and furnaces.

Application materials for the 2013 program are pending. The following information is relevant to the 2012 program; terms and conditions may change. Contact Efficiency Vermont directly with questions regarding the 2013 program.

Efficiency Vermont offers rebates for the installation of energy efficient equipment in existing multifamily apartments in Vermont for rental property owners. Managers of multifamily apartments may apply for rebates for new, efficient refrigerators and bathroom ventilation fans, boilers, and furnaces. Pre-approval is needed for rebates for totaling over $5,000. In addition, managers may apply to this program for free compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). If a manager needs more than 15 CFLs per apartment or more than 100 total per project, they should first apply to Efficiency Vermont for pre-approval. These incentives are available to customers of Burlington Electric Department  (BED) as well, but rebate forms should be sent to BED directly.

Application materials for the 2013 program are pending. The following information is relevant to the 2012 program; terms and conditions may change. Contact Efficiency Vermont directly with questions regarding the 2013 program.

Efficiency Vermont offers financial incentives to cover the incremental costs of energy efficient refrigeration for commercial, industrial, agricultural and institutional buildings. To receive the rebate, complete the application at the program website and submit to Efficiency Vermont with required documentation and invoices. If the project will cost more than $5,000, the application should be submitted for pre-approval or approved over the phone with Efficiency Vermont. Only customers paying into the system benefits charge for Efficiency Vermont are eligible to apply for this rebate.

Note: Burlington Electric Department (BED) Customers should contact BED directly.

Note: As of January 4, 2013, this program is no longer accepting reservation applications. In December 2012, the Public Service Department proposed additional changes to the Small Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program for 2013. The below information is for the 2012 program; the 2013 program will have different funding amounts.

Vermont's Small Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program, initiated in June 2003, provides funding for new solar water heating, solar electric (photovoltaic), wind, and micro-hydro energy system installations. Currently in its seventh round of funding (almost $4.1 million dollars), the program is available to single- and multi-family residences, commercial and industrial businesses, farms, schools, builders/developers, and local & state governments. Vermont also allows third party owned and leasing entities to receive rebates at slightly different amounts, those are included below. This year Vermont added an efficiency adder to encourage Vermonter's to complete an audit or participate in specific efficiency programs (such as Energy Star Homes). Only systems installed by pre-approved installers will be eligible for funding. Funding must be reserved and applications approved before expenditures are made. Once solar (PV or Water Heating) or wind reservations are granted, applicants have six months to complete their projects and submit the final application. Current incentives are as follows:

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
Residential PV: $0.55/Watt (W) generating capacity (DC) up to 10 kilowatts (kW).  Total maximum incentive is $5,500. An additional efficiency adder may be available: $0.15/W (cap: $350).

Commercial PV: $0.55/W DC up to 10 kW, $0.50/W DC 10 kW to 25 kW. Efficiency adder: $0.15/W (cap: $450). Total maximum incentive is $13,000.  

Special Category (government, non-profit, schools, hospitals, low-income multi-family) PV: $2.10/W DC up to 10 kW, $1.40/W DC for next 40 kW (up to 50 kW). Efficiency adder: $0.15/W (cap: $450). Maximum incentive $77,000 or up to 50% of project costs, whichever is less. 

Solar Hot Water
Residential Solar Hot Water: $1.50/100 British thermal unit/day (Btu/d) up to 200 kBtu/d, efficiency adder of $0.50/100Btu/day ($350 cap), with a total maximum of $3,000.

Commercial Solar Hot Water: $1.50/100 Btu/d up to 1100 kBtu/d, efficiency adder of $0.50/100Btu/day ($450 cap), with a total maximum of $16,500.

Special Category Solar Hot Water: $3.00/100 Btu/d up to 1,500 kBtu/d, efficiency adder of $0.50/100Btu/day ($450 cap), with a total maximum of $45,000 or 50% of the costs, whichever is less.

Wind
In 2012, the wind incentive went back to a hybrid (capacity-based + performance-based) incentive originally proposed in 2010.   The first part of the incentive is paid upon successful installation and the second part is paid after one year and is calculated using the turbine's actual production data.  This incentive program design aims to support well-sited wind turbines. 

Residential Wind: Maximum incentive is $30,000 for one turbine up to 10 kW.

Commercial Wind: Maximum incentive is $180,000 for one turbine up to 100 kW.

Special Category Wind: Maximum incentive not stipulated.

Micro hydro
Micro-hydro installations are eligible for incentives up to $8,750 (or $17,500 in the case of special category projects). 

For more information on the program, eligible installers, remaining funds, and installations to date, visit the official program web site.

Vermont Gas customers whose homes have used at least 0.5 Ccf per square foot of natural gas over the past year are eligible for this program, as are multi-family buildings. Typical measures 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 one third of the installed cost of the recommended measures and provide a reduced interest loan through the Opportunities Credit Union for the remaining 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 10 years. Low income customers will be referred to the Champlain Valley Weatherization Service (CVWS) for enhanced incentives.

Burlington Electric Department (BED) offers a variety of rebate incentives to its commercial customers. The Commercial Energy Efficiency Program provides significant rebates for , HVAC systems, system controls, lighting upgrades, and refrigeration . Equipment must be purchased and installed in the program year to qualify for rebates. Pre-approval is required for rebates on more than 100 pieces of equipment, buildings exceeding 10,000 square feet, and/or $5,000 or more in rebate payments. Customers must indicate the date and place of purchase, along with the size, type, make, model/part number, and serial number (where applicable) of the purchased item. Check product eligibility and more specific equipment requirements on BED web site or rebate application form before purchasing equipment. All installations are subject to verification from Burlington Electric Department.

Burlington Electric Department offers an innovative rebate program geared towards rental apartment owners. The program is designed to offer rebates on some of the most energy intensive household appliances and equipment. The program offers a rebate incentive for efficient lighting technologies, boilers, ventilation systems, and refrigerators. A receipt or invoice for purchased equipment must be included with rebate application, specifying size, type, manufacturer, model, purchase date, and vendor. Contact BED for information regarding custom rebates for other technologies not listed on the program web site.

Burlington Electric Department offers a variety of rebate incentives that encourage residential customers to upgrade to energy efficient equipment in the their homes.. Rebates are available for energy efficient lighting measures, gas dryers, gas water heating equipment, and for converting from electric space heating equipment to natural gas systems.  All installations and conversions are subject to verification from Burlington Electric Department.  Interested customers can check product eligibility and find specific equipment requirements on BED's web site.

Vermont Gas (VGS) offers two energy efficiency programs for commercial customers: the WorkPlace New Construction Program and the WorkPlace Equipment Replacement and Retrofit Program.

The VGS WorkPlace New Construction Program provides information, consultation, and financial assistance for owners, architects, engineers, or developers interested in making new buildings energy efficient. Services include: technical information and support, engineering analysis, financial incentives, networking, and advising. For more information on financial incentives, interested customers should contact the Commercial Energy Services Representative listed below or go to the web site above to fill out an online request for a walk through audit.

The WorkPlace Equipment Replacement and Retrofit Program is designed for its commercial and industrial customers who are considering renovating buildings or replacing equipment. The program offers rebates on a variety of energy efficient technologies ranging from steam boilers to pool heaters. For a complete list of technologies eligible for rebates see the web site provided above. In order to qualify for this program, customers must contact a VGS Commercial Energy Services Representative prior to replacing the piece of equipment. If a high efficiency piece of equipment is available for the application, a VGS Energy Services Representative will calculate the natural gas savings and the customer will be offered a rebate to install the high efficiency piece of equipment. Actual contractor pricing may be used to confirm the feasibility of a project and help determine the rebate. Once a contract is executed, a VGS representative performs an energy efficiency inspection and a rebate check is issued.

The Equipment Replacement program offers rebates for residential customers who replace existing heating equipment or water heater with a more energy efficient one. Rebates vary depending on technology, from $100 for a water heater to $600 for a hot water boiler. All equipment must meet program efficiency requirements. Customers can use any contractor that is natural gas certified. Contractors should complete a Heat Loss Analysis to select appropriate equipment for the home.

Energy efficient new construction rebates are given to homeowners and builders through services provided to Vermont ENERGY STAR Homes participants, including 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.