The state plans to invest $8 million in energy efficiency retrofits for its aging buildings.
The state pays about $14 million annually on electricity. Officials told reporters at a news conference in Montpelier on Wednesday that they could chop that amount by up to 10 percent under the proposal.
The House is expected to vote on a bill Thursday to adjust next fiscal year’s capital budget. The bill includes a proposal authorizing the state treasurer to invest in energy efficiency improvements for the state’s aging facilities, generating millions in savings that would continue to fund the retrofits, officials say.
“[The proposal] will help the state get its act together when it comes to using less energy, saving taxpayers’ money on energy, and helping to contribute to a reduction in our carbon footprint,” Gov. Peter Shumlin said during the news conference.
The state’s efficiency utility, Efficiency Vermont, subsidizes residential weatherization and efficiency projects for Vermont residents. The company could now help the state make improvements to its building stock.
“If we can do programs like weatherization for Vermonters who don’t own state buildings, I think we ought to be able to do things like that within the state government as well,” House Speaker Shap Smith said.
Treasurer Beth Pearce said the money is not a new appropriation, it’s an investment.
“We are going to get return on our investment, at the same time create jobs and at the same time lower our carbon footprint,” she said.
