The Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) and Efficiency Vermont, the state-wide energy efficiency utility administered by VEIC on behalf of the State of Vermont, have signed on to the Vermont Climate Pledge Coalition. Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, Governor Phil Scott, members of the Vermont Mayors Coalition, and other community leaders joined together on June 20, 2017 to announce the launch of the Coalition. The effort is part of the national “We’re Still In” campaign, in which cities, states, and businesses are committing to the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals originally outlined in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The Coalition, coordinated by the City of Burlington, is intended to complement Vermont’s existing energy goals.

“We’re pleased to join in this effort—as energy efficiency is the backbone of our clean energy future,” says Karen Glitman, Director of Efficiency Vermont. “Energy efficiency is the cleanest, cheapest, and most reliable source of power. Because of Vermont’s long-standing commitment, efficiency now constitutes 15.5% of our energy portfolio. Since Vermonters created Efficiency Vermont in 2000 we’ve saved enough energy to power every home in the state for 5.3 years. In 2016, we helped Vermonters save over $18.9 million in energy costs, and avoid close to 900,000 tons of carbon dioxide, equal to removing over 190,000 cars from the road for one year. We’re making real and measurable progress in ensuring that all Vermonters have access to clean, affordable, and efficient energy, and that investment must continue.”

View City of Burlington, VT press release.