News You Can Use from the Energy Co-op
SPRING FORWARD DEALS
We're thrilled to announce our generous rebates of up to $1,550 on heat pumps and $1,150 on heat pump hot water heaters. This offer combines Efficiency Vermont rebates with other incentives. BED customers can earn even more on a heat pump install. Offer ends on March 31st, so contact us today.

CO-OP MEMBERS SAVINGS SINCE 2014
If you have visited the Energy Co-op website recently you may have seen this new homepage slide. As you can see from the graphic, in real terms our efficiency programs and new equipment installations have helped our members "use less" fuel oil and "save more" dollars. It's also eye-opening to relate our savings to metrics that help the environment, so "trees planted", "cars off the road" and "lbs.of CO2" are great reminders that making your home more efficient really matters. We'll be updating these numbers regularly on the website, so check back often!
WINTER FUEL PRICE TRENDS AND SAFETY REMINDERS
Since October 1st, the Energy Co-op has averaged a cash price of $2.70 per gallon for heating fuel oil for its members. Given the political unrest in Asia and the Middle East, we expect volatility of pricing to continue through 2020. 

This past summer Co-op Members were able to Pre-buy their heating oil at $2.59 per gallon. For members that took advantage of our Price Protection options, it looks like it will be a money saver. If you missed the opportunity this year, or want to sign up again, watch for our 2020 Pre-buy and Price Cap program announcement starting on July 1st.

REMINDERS: If you are a "will call" customer be s ure to check your fuel gauge regularly and schedule your delivery when you get to about 40% full.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN MONTPELIER
Many of the Vermont House representatives are strongly advocating for a new Global Warming Solutions Act which would mandate Vermont's greenhouse gas goals into law. The concern on the opposing side is that such a proposal might encourage short-term fixes at the expense of greater long-term goals.
For example, statutory short term mandates may encourage something that reduces emissions in the near term, but discourage long-term investment in things like grid infrastructure that are necessary to handle the increased use of electric vehicles and heat pumps.

The Vermont legislative committee has drafted a regional greenhouse gas cap and trade program to mitigate emissions from the transportation sector, which is open for comments until February 28th. A big challenge is designing a cap and trade program that encourages a reduction in the use of diesel fuel for trucking and mass transportation without penalizing diesel fuel users who have no viable electric alternative and little-or-no opportunity to change behavior.
2020 VERMONT HOME EFFICIENCY REBATES
The good news is that there are many state and federal tax credits, incentives and rebates available to help Vermonters pay for  energy-efficiency improvements  and renewable energy installations. However, searching and applying for these programs can be confusing. We've compiled a list of the latest utility and state rebate links to help you sort things out. Just click below.
MEET LISA CAMPBELL
If you have ordered fuel delivery or wood pellets in the last five years, chances are you've been helped by Milton resident and master dispatcher, Lisa Campbell. "My goal is to be sure that everyone gets their delivery before they need it!" says Lisa.
A few tips from Lisa to make sure this happens:
  • Be sure your driveway is plowed and sanded. Do not push snow banks up against the oil fill pipes.
  • Order on line 24/7 for faster service.
  • Keep the path cleared to your fuel pipe. Make sure that your exhaust vents are not blocked.
Lisa also coordinates our community outreach, so if you see the Energy Co-op table at an event, stop by to say hello.
SOLAR PARTNERSHIP COMPLETED FOUR INSTALLATIONS IN 2019
We're pleased to announce that our partnership with Catamount Solar has resulted in four new rooftop solar installations for Energy Co-op members in 2019. Our member incentive of up to $1,000 off continues this year. Check out the program details by following the link below.
Stop by to see us at the 51st annual Home and Garden Expo in Essex Junction
April 4th and 5th.
BOOTH 281