BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – In the search for energy-efficient heating that saves you money, more Vermonters are moving away from fossil fuels.
State data shows heating oil – which accounted for about 40% of heating fuel distribution in 2022 – has steadily declined in sales over recent years. Experts say that’s in part due to warming winters, and greener, often more affordable options on the market.
Despite the heating oil phase-out, one fuel consultant says fuel dealers are able to diversify their services.
“We have several family-owned companies that sold coal and ice in the 1920s that are now selling biodiesel pellets, renewable fuel, and installing cold climate heat pumps,” said Matt Cota of Meadow Hill.
Still, many Vermont fuel dealers worry the state’s push to crack down on fossil fuels will make adaptation tricky and expensive. That’s a key argument against the Clean Heat Standard – a contentious program up for debate this legislative session.
The state is also helping with costs for low-income Vermonters who want to make the switch.
Around this time last year, Vermont had over $57,000 in residential heat pump systems which warm up your space by drawing outdoor heat in.
In 2024, Energy Nonprofit Efficiency Vermont installed another 10,000 heat pumps, keeping with recent annual installation numbers. They say getting there requires an all-hands-on-deck effort to engage even the most rural communities.
“That involves working on the ground with folks like local city councils, town councils, select boards. It also means local town energy committees, where those folks know their community really well,” said Matthew Smith of Efficiency Vermont.
Efficiency Vermont’s offers and rebates are key to engaging low and moderate-income households in particular.
They installed 600 heat pump water heaters since the spring of 2024, thanks to a rebate for 100% coverage up to $5,000.
A weatherization offer was launched in December for 90% cost coverage up to $9,500 for low-income households.
You can find more offers here.