News You Can Use from the Energy Co-op
CATAMOUNT SOLAR OFFER
We are pleased to announce that we are joining forces with Catamount Solar to offer big discounts on solar installations to our members. Since both of our companies are organized under cooperative principles, expanding our member benefits to partner with Catamount Solar’s residential solar installations is a welcome addition to our efficiency services. Here's a summary of the discounts:

  • $250 OFF a new solar install smaller than 6kW
  • $500 OFF a new 6kW to 10kW solar system install
  • $1000 OFF a new 10kW or larger solar system install

If you are interested in learning more, click the link below and we'll put you in touch with a Catamount representative for a free site evaluation!
PRICE PROTECTION UPDATE
Before we launch next winter's price protection programs in July, we thought we'd give you an update on how last year's prices worked out.

As you can see from the chart above, heating oil prices spiked early in the season and then leveled out beginning in mid-December. Even without late-season price spikes, members who signed up for Price Protection early (before August 8th) ended up saving $.17 per gallon.

What about next winter? Well, we wish we had a crystal ball to tell us, but we feel Price Protection is good insurance against unexpected price spikes in the oil market. Click on the link below to learn more about the options we offer.
SOMETIMES IT'S EASY BEING GREEN
There are a lot of ways to "go green" that don't cost money and, in fact, can actually save you money. One simple way is to be sure that you are signed up for e-billing for your Energy Co-op bills. It saves time, postage and paper!
WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEE
Ryan Miller joined the Energy Co-op as an apprentice in March of 2019. He has several years of experience as a delivery driver, recently acquired his hazmat endorsement and is looking forward to going for his NORA Bronze Certification in June. Prior to joining the Co-op team he worked for Sheetmetal Specialists in HVAC Inc. installing ductwork. Ryan lives in Underhill where he enjoys mountain biking and spending time with his partner, Miranda and their dog, Zoey.
CNN: " AMERICA'S RENEWABLE ENERGY SET TO SURPASS COAL FOR THE FIRST MONTH EVER."

According to a recent report from CNN: " The renewable energy sector is projected to generate more electricity than coal during the month of April, according to a recent report published by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. That's never happened before."

"Coal, long the king of the power sector, has already been dethroned by natural gas, a much cleaner burning fossil fuel. Now, coal is facing intensifying pressure from wind and solar power."
HEATING DEGREE DAYS FOR WINTER 2018-2019
Heating Degree Days are a way that many analysts measure how cold the average winter temperature is compared to other years. To calculate the heating degree day number, you subtract the average of a day's temperatures from 65 o F. For example, if the day's average temperature is 50 o F, its Heating Degree day number is 15.

Last winter, using Heating Degree Days as reported at the Burlington International Airport, it was 7% colder than the 10-year average. As of April 31st, there have been 7,031 degree days compared to 6,548 last year and a ten-year average of 6,603. 

Unless you made improvements to your home's energy efficiency last year, you may have noticed the difference in your heating fuel usage.
IS A HEAT PUMP HOT WATER HEATER RIGHT FOR YOU?
When does it make sense to install a heat pump hot water heater in your home? Are you ready for guilt-free hot showers? Brian's latest blog provides some tips and advice.