Energy Efficiency Sector: Residential ~ Vermont Residential Energy Efficiency Program for Low-Income Muitifamily Housing Vermont's Residential Energy Efficiency Program (REEP) works with property developers, owners, and managers to reduce energy costs and promote long-term affordability of low-income housing. The program was establish- ed in 1997 to overcome technical, financial, and regulatory barriers to improving the energy performance in Vermont's low-income muitifamily housing. This unique partnership between local utilities and the low- income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) leverages utility incentives, WAP subsidies, and owner investments to implement all cost- effective energy measures. REEP's success stems from its ability to provide effective incentives, developed in collaboration with participating utilities and local WAP agencies; its close working relationships with property developers, owners, and managers; and its role in coordinating and cooperating with low-income housing funding sources and subsidy agencies. The program's excellent technical staff is also integral to its success; project managers provide personalized one-stop service and are devoted to maximizing the energy performance of Vermont's low-income housing. Results: In less than two years, REEP has put over $1,275,000 in energy improvements in 893 low-income muitifamily residential units throughout Vermont. REEP accomplished this with less than $400,000 in incentives from local utilities and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Estimated annual customer energy savings are over $225,000. Annual energy savings are estimated at 6,173 mmBTU (net of fossil fuel used after fuel switching), with a total of 2.2 GWh of electrical savings. These energy savings reduce C02 emissions by 258 MTCE* (or 945 metric tons C02) per year. In addition, the energy savings account for annual reductions of approximately 3.9 MT of NOx and 8.1 MT of S02 emissions.** Principal Actors: REEP was initiated by the Division of Energy Efficiency of Vermont's Department of Public Service, which was awarded a DOE Rebuild America grant for the development of the program. REEP's work is now funded primarily by Vermont's three largest electric utilities—Central Vermont Public Service Corporation, Green Mountain Power, and Citizens Utilities Company—and its only natural gas utility, Vermont Gas Systems. The program is adminis- tered by Vermont's Office of Economic Opportunity and is delivered by Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, a nonprofit energy services company. Additional Information: Jennifer Chiodo, REEP, 800-639-6069 xl9, iennifer@veic.org: Tom Franks, Vermont Department of Public Service, 802-828-4035, franks@psd.state.vt.us: Jules Junker, Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity, 802-241-2452, iulesi@wpgatel.ahs.state.vt.us This case study is based on information provided by Elizabeth Chant, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation. *Original data have been converted from short tons of C02 to Metric Tons of Carbon Equivalent (MTCE). ** The following conversion factors were applied to the original data: 1.77 MT NOx / GWh and 3.69 MT S02 / GWh, MT = metric tons. Energy Cost Greenhouse Gas Savings Benefits Reductions 6,173 mmBTU/yr $225,000/yr 258 MTCE*/yr (customer energy savings) ------- |