Vermont Energy Efficiency Obligation

Last updated: 17 March 2023

In 2000, the government of Vermont introduced an energy efficiency obligation for all sectors except transport, covering electricity, thermal energy and process fuels. The Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), the state's "efficiency utility", is obligated to meet targets, as well as Burlington Electric Department and Vermont Gas Systems. Revenues for VEIC's programmes come from electric and natural gas utilities (except the two mentioned above, who administer their own programmes), as well as heat, propane, kerosene and coal dealers. The obligation seeks to achieve between 2015 and 2017, a 321 800 MWh and 41 300 kW peak reduction(summer), 53 700 kW (winter) for electricity; and a reduction of 235 000 MMBtu for thermal energy and process fuels. Eligible energy efficiency measures include lighting; HVAC; industrial process equipment; CHP; appliances; thermalrenovation. Vermont employs a technical reference manual to determine the calculation methods for savings which includes deemed savings. Evaluations are mainly administered by the Energy Efficiency Utility (EEU). The "Process and Administration of an Order of Appointment" sets forth details for monitoring and verification, and requires verification of the reported energy and capacity savings and cost-effectiveness of programmes delivered by EEU implementers by an independent auditor.

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