July 2025 Net Zero Energy News: Energy Assistance, Rebates, and Festival

Rates and Energy Assistance Program
After 2021, when we increased rates for the first time in 12 years, Burlington Electric Department (BED) informed our customers that we would be seeking more frequent, yet more moderate, rate changes going forward. After a 7.5 percent increase for fiscal year (FY) 2022 coming out of the pandemic, we were able to hold the rate changes to 3.95 percent in FY23 and 5.5 percent in both FY24 and FY25. For upcoming FY26, we are proposing a 4.5 percent rate change, which would take effect as a surcharge on customer bills starting in September 2025. Taken together, BED’s rate changes over the last several years still will be lower than the inflation rate and far below the national average increase for electricity prices over the same period. Amid predictions that the largest residential rate increases in the United States this year will hit the New England region, BED’s residential rates will remain some of the lowest in Vermont and New England. 

BED also wants to ensure that we provide support for our income-qualified customers who need assistance. That is why four years ago we created our Energy Assistance Program (EAP), which provides a 12.5 percent discount in the form of a monthly bill credit for low-income residential customers who qualify for the state’s fuel assistance program, Section 8 housing program, or 3SquaresVT, or who may otherwise qualify. BED is working (subject to Public Utility Commission approval) on expanding this credit to cover residential shelters and certain affordable housing providers. Please visit burlingtonelectric.com/help or call 802.865.7300 to learn more about the proposed rate change and how to sign up for the EAP.

Rebates for Going Electric
To help make progress toward Burlington’s Net Zero Energy goal, BED offers a significant set of customer rebates and incentives. Whether you are considering driving electric, biking electric, mowing electric, or heating and cooling electric, BED has rebates to help make it possible. Please visit burlingtonelectric.com/rebates to learn more.

Mark Your Calendars for the 4th Annual Net Zero Energy Festival – A Supercharged Day of Family Fun! On Saturday, September 6, 2025 (rain or shine), from 10:00am to 2:00pm at BED’s 585 Pine Street headquarters during Art Hop weekend, we’ll have activities for people of all ages focused on eliminating fossil fuel use and electrifying everything, including: renewably powered food trucks; games and activities for children; Star 92.9’s radio personalities Mike & Mary; raffles; E-bike test rides; EV test drives; mobile bike repair unit; bike parking; BED partners providing heat pump, solar, and electric lawn care products; carshare and biking partners; BED energy experts; and more!

Team BED wishes you a great summer!