Burlington Electric seeks continued flexibility to use thermal funds for weatherization and EV incentives
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Summary
Darren Springer, general manager of the Burlington Electric Department, told the committee H.0940’s section 1 would allow BED to continue flexible use of Thermal Energy Program Funds (TEPF), invest about $1.7 million over three years, prioritize weatherization for low‑income customers, and maintain EV and geothermal pilot programs; the committee moved the bill to Natural Resources with a Finance report and approved it.
Darren Springer, general manager of the Burlington Electric Department, told the Senate Finance Committee on July 10 that section 1 of H.0940 would let the municipal utility continue flexible use of Thermal Energy Program Funds (TEPF) and invest roughly $1,700,000 over the next three years in weatherization, greenhouse‑gas reductions, boosted EV incentives and geothermal pilot projects.
Springer explained the problem: current statutory language (30 VSA §209, as cited) ties TEPF dollars to unregulated fuels — propane, oil, wood — but Burlington’s service territory is primarily served by regulated natural gas, leaving few customers eligible under the literal text. He said Acts 44 (2023) and 142 (2024) provided temporary flexibility and that H.0940 would extend a compromise reached with the Department of Public Service so BED can continue serving all customers through its efficiency programs.
What it would fund: Springer told the committee the proposal would allow BED to direct about $1.7 million of TEPF funds across the 2027–2029 performance period, with approximately 60% of funds earmarked for weatherization and thermal efficiency (with prioritization for low‑ and moderate‑income customers). He said the funding would also support electric‑vehicle incentives for renters and multifamily properties, electrical panel and wiring upgrades needed for EV charging, health and safety remediation to enable weatherization work, and a geothermal test‑well program illustrated by recent work at the new Burlington high school.
"This is not creating any new revenue streams or any new costs," Springer said, describing the measure as a reallocation of existing funds and a continuation of prior policy flexibility. He urged the committee the section represented a balanced compromise and that BED supported the language as drafted.
Committee action: A committee member moved to approve H.0940 as passed by the House and to recommend it be committed to the Senate Natural Resources Committee with the Finance Committee report. The motion was put to a recorded response and Senators Bennett, Hardy, Brown, Humic, Meadows and Cummings were recorded as 'Yes.' The motion carried.
Next steps: The committee will forward the bill (with the Finance Committee report) to the Senate Natural Resources Committee for further consideration.
