This commentary is by Peter Walke, of Montpelier. He is the managing director of Efficiency Vermont.
Vermonters feel it every time we get an energy bill or fill up at the pump: Costs are high and unpredictable.
Global markets swing wildly. Storms knock out power. Heating our homes in the winter takes a bigger bite out of our paychecks than it used to.
We cannot control global fuel prices, but we can control how much energy we use. That’s why energy efficiency is the single most powerful, affordable tool we have to keep costs down.
Efficiency Vermont is now planning our next three years of programs to help Vermonters save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a moment to reflect on the importance of efficiency in our state. It’s also an opportunity for Vermonters to take our survey and share your feedback on our programs and services.
When a business replaces outdated lighting or upgrades to efficient equipment, it lowers its bills and strengthens its bottom line. When a home is weatherized, insulated and air-sealed, it uses less fuel to keep us warm in January and less electricity to keep us cool in July. These are not just small savings. They add up. Over the past two decades, Vermonters have saved more than $3.3 billion thanks to efficiency improvements.
Efficiency is also our cheapest energy resource. It costs far less to save a unit of energy than to produce one. Every kilowatt-hour of electricity we don’t need is one we don’t have to generate, transmit across expensive power lines and pay for. This means lower costs for utilities, more manageable peaks when demand surges and, over time, more affordable bills for ratepayers.
It’s also a homegrown solution. When we cut our energy use, we reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels and keep more money circulating in Vermont’s economy. That’s energy independence in action — something that benefits every household and business in the state.
The benefits don’t stop at the wallet. Efficient appliances and heating systems improve indoor air quality. A well-weatherized home is more comfortable, quieter and healthier. And every bit of energy we save means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, helping us meet Vermont’s climate commitments while protecting communities from the devastating impacts of a warming world.
Some may think of energy efficiency as a “someday” solution — something to get to after tackling other home projects or business priorities. But it really should be the first step. Vermont can build new renewable energy sources, modernize our grid, and electrify our vehicles and heating systems. But if we don’t streamline how we use energy in the first place, we’ll need to spend more on generation and infrastructure, driving up costs. Efficiency makes all those other investments work better and cost less.
The bottom line: Energy efficiency isn’t just about using less — it’s about living better for less. It’s a proven, practical and immediate way to make energy more affordable for all Vermonters. In a time of economic uncertainty and climate challenges, it’s the common-sense solution we can’t afford to ignore.
When it comes to energy, so much happens in a global market that’s beyond our control. But we can control how we use energy and we can choose to use energy wisely. When we do, Vermont becomes stronger, more resilient and more affordable for everyone.
As Efficiency Vermont looks ahead, we want your help in improving the work we do together to make Vermont’s energy more affordable. Please join the thousands of Vermonters who have taken 10 minutes to fill out our survey by calling 888-921-5990 or visiting our website.
