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State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program

Efficiency Vermont will implement the use of ARRA Appliance Rebate Fund for the promotion of select ENERGY STAR Clothes Washers, Refrigerators and Room Air Conditioners. The promotion of these products will be layered upon Efficiency Vermont’s existing “Save More with ENERGY STAR” promotions. Currently Efficiency Vermont is using the ENERGY STAR sanctioned “Save More” promotion approach due to the high market penetration of ENERGY STAR labeled home appliance sales in Vermont.

Save More with ENERGY STAR” Home Appliance Products

Click Here for a full summary of available appliance rebates

Weatherization

Vermont will receive approximately $16.8 million over a 3 year period.    Funding will go to program activities including weatherization job training and grants to Community Action Program agencies to deliver weatherization services in the community.  For more information about the Weatherization program, see information from the Office of Economic Opportunity.

State Energy Program (SEP)

Vermont is to receive $21,999,000 in ARRA funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency under the State Energy Program of the U.S. Department of Energy. These funds will expand the size and scope of the Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF). State program development and implementation is now underway in the following areas.  

SEP funding will also support work to update Vermont's Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES).

Renewable Energy Grant and Loan Programs

ARRA SEP funding will create additional grant and loan funding opportunities for small- and large-scale renewable energy projects through the Clean Energy Development Fund. Funding opportunity announcements for grants and loan programs administered directly by the Fund will be posted through the Fund's site.  Other supported renewable energy activites include:
 
 -  The Vermont Small-Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program, which provides incentive payments for grid connected and net metered solar photovoltaic and wind systems, solar hot water systems, and small-scale hydropower systems.
 
 -  Planned support for loans from independent lenders for small-scale renewable energy projects.
 
 -  A Wind Mapping and Anemometry Loan Program. Requests for proposals will be issued in December 2009, with proposals due in January, 2010.
 

Public Serving Institutions Efficiency & Renewables

The CEDF will offer a competitive program for public-serving institutions (government buildings, nonprofit public and private universities, colleges, and hospitals) to implement energy efficiency measures and renewable generation.  $2,000,000 in funding will be available through this program.  A request for proposals will be issued in January 2010, and proposals will be due in March 2010.

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

$2,000,000 in funding has been appropriated to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) to make grants and deferred loans to nonprofit organizations for weatherization and renewable energy activities, including assistance for nonprofit owners and occupants of permanently affordable housing.  Applications for funding under this program will be made through VHCB.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG)

This formula grant program allocated Vermont approximately $10,300,000 in block grant funding for a variety of efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, outlined in the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007.  Approximately $9.8 million will come through the state and the rest directly to Vermont cities and towns.  Of this $9.8 million, 40% ($3.9 million) is allocated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to the State Energy Program and 60% ($5.7 million) is allocated to cities and towns not receiving a direct allocation from DOE. The Department of Public Service has submitted an application to the DOE on behalf of the state for the funds coming to the state, and an award is expected during or before the fall of 2009.

Formula Funding for Vermont Cities and Towns

EECBG formula funding has been directly allocated by DOE to the ten highest-population cities and towns in Vermont:

Municipality

Amount

Bennington

$57,900

Brattleboro

$56,100

Burlington

$180,200

Colchester

$71,200

Essex

$50,000

Essex Junction

$50,000

Hartford

$50,000

Milton

$50,000

Rutland

$78,900

South Burlington

$85,500

Additional EECBG Funding Opportunities for Vermont Cities, Towns, and Regional Planning Commissions

A competitive request for proposals from Vermont municipalities which did not receive EECBG funding to the Clean Energy Development Board was issued on November 13, 2009.  Initial proposals were due on December 8, 2009.  For those applications selected to move forward,comprehensive proposals will be due on February 23, 2010.  $4.8 million in grant funding will be awarded in March 2010.

$880,000 in funding for Vermont's eleven regional planning commissions has also been allocated.

All Fuels and Thermal Efficiency Programs

Approximately $2.3 million in EECBG funding will be provided to local Community Action Program agencies to expand access to thermal efficiency services for Vermonters not eligible for services under the Weatherization program funding.  See your local Weatherization Office for eligibility information.

Renewable Energy Programs

Additional EECBG funding not distributed to municipalities will be used to fund additional opportunities for renewable energy projects through the Clean Energy Development Fund programs.

Background Materials--Other ARRA Energy Programs

Energy Provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5), Congressional Research Service, March 3, 2009. (PDF)

Other Links: U.S. Department of Energy ARRA Funding Opportunity Announcements.

Non-ARRA Energy Efficiency and Renewables Program

If you need information on existing loan and grant programs for new energy generation, please visit the Vermont Department of Public Service's Energy Efficiency and  Renewables website.

If you are a consumer and seek information regarding home or business efficiency programs, please contact Efficiency Vermont at 802-860-4095, or call toll-free 1-888-921-5990, or visit their website at www.efficiencyvermont.com.