Senate orders third reading of bill to design statewide energy navigator program

The Vermont Senate advanced S219, a bill directing the Department of Public Service to design a statewide community-based energy navigator and coaching program and report back by March 1, 2027.

Senator Hardy (Addison), the committee reporter, described energy navigators as people who help households and businesses identify energy-saving measures, access grants and financing, and connect to contractors. He said existing local and nonprofit programs — including Efficiency Vermont and community action agencies — already provide navigator-like services and the bill asks the department to consult widely and develop a program design that could provide in‑person and remote help to residential consumers.

Hardy told the chamber the Public Utility Commission issued a report recommending expansion of navigator services and the Department of Public Service has already hired a consultant to evaluate the broader set of publicly funded energy programs. The bill requests a program design emphasizing in‑person, community-based navigators, pilot options, and potential funding sources; the reporter noted an appropriation amendment from Appropriations that makes consultant hiring contingent on available funds.

Senate Appropriations explained the committee’s amendments: the bill will recommend options for ongoing funding rather than create a permanent state-funded program and any consultant hire or grant implementation would depend on appropriated funds. The committee votes were unanimous and the Senate ordered third reading.

The reporter said the program could help connect eligible households to efficiency measures, weatherization, electrification initiatives and financing tools such as CPACE if enacted. The department will consult Energy Efficiency Vermont, the Vermont State Energy Office, community action agencies, utilities and neighboring states with similar programs as it develops its design.