Vermont Weatherization and Low-Income Energy Programs
Vermont Weatherization
Vermont's Weatherization Program reduces energy costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, by improving the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.
The Vermont Weatherization Program was started in 1976 in response to the nation's energy crisis. Funding for the program was provided solely by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In 1990, the Vermont Legislature established the Vermont Weatherization Trust Fund (WTF). The WTF provides state funding for weatherization through a one-half percent gross receipts tax on all non-transportation fuels sold in the state. The WTF stabilized the funding, infrastructure and technical capacity of the program. It also allowed Vermont to raise the average cost per job for more comprehensive work. Current funding for weatherization in Vermont, about $4.5 million annually, is comprised 81% from state funds and 19% from DOE. Between 1990-2001, 13,790 homes have been weatherized in Vermont.
| Total number of households receiving assistance in 2006 | 3,237 |
|---|---|
| Percent elderly | 19% |
| Percent with children | 12% |
| Percent with disabilities | 9% |
Vermont Weatherization Overview
The Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center (WAPTAC) publishes a summary of funding, contacts, and links to state directives for local weatherization agencies involving standards for service.
Energy and Low-Income Heating Assistance (LIHEAP) in Vermont
Complete List of Vermont's Low-Income Energy Programs
The National Energy Accessibility and Affordability Project (NEAAP) publishes a complete list of the programs available to low-income households in the state, including those funded by federal and state governments, Vermont utilities, and charities. NEAAP publishes this list as part of the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, which is maintained on the National Center for Appropriate Technology Web site and receives support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The list also includes LIHEAP contacts in Vermont. Under federal rules, Vermont can use up to 25% of its LIHEAP funds for weatherization.
State Energy Assistance Programs
Vermont's Fuel Assistance Program helps low-income households pay their fuel bills. Crisis Fuel Assistance is available when the household is in danger of having the heat cut off. Call 1-800-479-6151 for information on how to apply, who is eligible to receive help, and how payments are made.
Vermont Publications and Links
Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.
DOE Publications
Weatherization Grows in the Green Mountain State (PDF 111 KB)
DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program publishes this short fact sheets summarizing accomplishments and funding statistics; 2 pp.; October 2001.
More Weatherization Publications
WAPTAC Library
Search the Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center library for publications.