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Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves Green Mountain Power Corporation's Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved a new Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program, which will provide low- and moderate-income Vermonters with access to energy-efficient home improvements through on-bill repayment terms. The program, developed by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency in collaboration with Green Mountain Power Corporation and other stakeholders, aims to make weatherization more accessible to traditionally underserved customer groups. The program is anticipated to become effective on September 12, 2022, and will be offered statewide through December 31, 2024, or until the program fund is expended.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program will provide on-bill repayment terms for a pilot weatherization program focused on low- and moderate-income Vermonters.
  • The program is a "home grown" Vermont variation on the "Pay As You Save" model that allows customers to purchase and install efficiency improvements with zero or reduced upfront payment.
  • The program is funded through a combination of Vermont Housing Finance Agency and efficiency incentives combined with on-bill financing.
  • The monthly WRAP charge will show as a separate line item on the customer's utility bill, and any payments made by the participant will first be applied to the WRAP charge.
  • GMP's ability to disconnect service due to non-payment will not apply to the WRAP charges.
  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved the tariff filing of Green Mountain Power Corporation to implement the WRAP program, effective September 12, 2022.
  • The program has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Public Service, the energy efficiency utilities, and other stakeholders.
  • The program is being offered statewide, with each distribution utility opting in at its discretion.

Statistics:

  • The program is anticipated to become effective on September 12, 2022.
  • The program fund will be expended by December 31, 2024, or sooner.
  • The program will show a separate line item on the customer's utility bill, with the monthly WRAP charge.
  • Any payments made by the participant will first be applied to the WRAP charge.

Sources:

  • State of Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 22-3008-TF (09/08/2022)
  • Green Mountain Power Corporation, Tariff filing (July 29, 2022)
  • Vermont Housing Finance Agency and GMP, Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program (undated)

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