New Rates & Temporary Energy Assistance Program

 

Rates and Energy Assistance Update for Fiscal Year 2024

Two years ago, Burlington Electric Department (BED) had our first rate increase in 12 years, coming out of the pandemic. At that time, we shared with our customers that, while we likely would need more frequent rate changes going forward, we would seek to have them be more moderate than the 7.5 percent for fiscal year 2022. Last year, we were able to hold the rate change to 3.95 percent. We were able to reduce upward rate pressure for fiscal year 2023 because of our Net Zero Energy Revenue Bond providing an important financing source for key infrastructure projects and through strong performance from our renewable generation plants, including the McNeil Generating Station. For upcoming fiscal year 2024, we are proposing a 5.5 percent rate change, which would take effect as a surcharge on customer bills starting in September 2023. Taken together, BED’s rate changes over the last several years still will be lower than the inflation rate, and BED’s residential rates will remain some of the lowest in Vermont and the New England region.

We also want to ensure that we provide support for our low-income customers who need assistance. That is why our Energy Assistance Program, first piloted two years ago, will continue to provide a 12.5 percent discount for eligible customers, helping offset recent rate changes. BED continues to encourage our low-income customers who are enrolled in the State of Vermont Fuel Assistance Program or federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program to apply for BED’s Energy Assistance Program using the form below.

Further, we encourage customers to learn about opportunities to save energy and money through efficiency measures by connecting with our Energy Services team for a free consultation.

Contact Energy Services

Energy Assistance Program

BED Energy Assistance Program

Terms & Conditions

  • Eligibility is available to low-income customers, defined as those customers who currently are participating in the State of Vermont Fuel Assistance Program or federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program.
  • Customers accepted into the Energy Assistance Program will receive a bill credit of 12.5%.
  • Customers accepted into BED’s Energy Assistance Program who later no longer qualify for the State of Vermont Fuel Assistance Program or federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program are required to notify BED, as they no longer will be eligible for the BED's Energy Assistance Program.

If you have any questions, please feel free to Contact Us.

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Must be in Burlington, Vermont.

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Proof of Participation in State of Vermont Fuel Assistance Program or federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program

We will need one of the following:

  • Copy of home heating utility bill – gas, propane, oil (e.g. VGS bill stating “Assistance Prgrm 20% discount”)
  • Copy of State of Vermont paperwork demonstrating receipt of fuel assistance payment toward your heating with firewood or wood pellets
  • Copy of State of Vermont Notice of Decision of Eligibility for Fuel Assistance Program or federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program
  • Copy of Rent Adjustment Letter from a Public Housing Authority demonstrating receipt of rental assistance

One file only. 4 MB limit. Allowed types: txt doc docx pdf jpg gif png.

If you are unable to locate your Proof of Participation, contact your housing authority:

  • Burlington Housing Authority (802) 864-0538
  • Winooski Housing Authority (802) 655-2360
  • Vermont State Housing Authority (802) 828-3295

We will be able to process your request after we receive your proof of participation.

That is OK. A member of our team will be in touch with you after you submit this form.