Vermont Energy Access Coalition

• lowering the energy burden for low and moderate income households to increase Vermonters’ quality of life;
• increasing participation of all Vermonters in the total renewable energy  innovation transformation; and
• equitably achieving 90% total renewable energy sourcing and 75% climate pollution reduction by 2050.

Values:

• We believe that all Vermonters should have access to and benefit from renewable electricity, heating, and transportation, and energy efficiency.  Every Vermonter should receive the health, economic, comfort, and environmental benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency, regardless of their income, home-ownership status, or location.
• Full participation in Vermont’s renewable energy transformation requires policies, resources, and program design that intentionally address the unique barriers faced by low and moderate income and marginalized Vermonters.  We believe that every energy program, initiative, or policy should incorporate meaningful opportunities for low-and-moderate-income households.
• Ensuring equitable access to affordable renewable energy solutions enables Vermonters to reduce their energy burden, strengthen communities, grow the economy,  and meaningfully advance our energy and climate commitments.

Together as a collaborative network, we will:

• Support new and replicate successful projects, initiatives, and policies;
• Educate policymakers and advocate for laws, policies, and funding;
• Share information, opportunities, and connections; and
• Convert findings and lessons learned into actionable solutions and progress.

Operating Principles:

Our coalition operates on a consensus basis to find common-ground solutions that focus on low and moderate-income households.  Our work aims to provide greater opportunity and enhance existing efforts.

A steering committee exists to facilitate the coalition’s work. The steering committee shall include representatives whose organizations provide direct services to or whose organizational membership primarily comprises of low and moderate income households in Vermont.  Decisions regarding areas of research, policies to support, and strategies for advocacy will be made by consensus of the coalition members with recommendations from the steering committee.  Members of the coalition shall contribute their expertise and time. Members are committed to an honest and productive conversation that respects our diverse stakeholder interest.

Read the report Equitable Clean Energy Guidebook

Case Studies
To the Meter Financing – PAYS
Community Solar
Electric Car Share
HeatSmart / CoolSmart
Home Energy Loan – Craft3

energy – electricity, heating / cooling, transportation, and energy efficiency, meaning total energy

energy burden – the percentage of household income spent on energy bills