New report highlights energy costs for Vermont households

Nearly half of household energy spending is from transportation costs, a new study from Efficiency Vermont finds.

The 2019 Energy Burden Report examines energy burden and how it can be used to inform energy programs.

Key findings include:

• Transportation energy spending makes up nearly half of household energy spending (45 percent), with thermal energy following at 35 percent and electricity spending making up 20 percent.

• Vermonters on average spend over $2,500 annually on transportation fuels alone.

• Energy burden is around 10 percent on average for Vermont households, with spending on energy costing households over $5,800.

• Energy burden significantly varies by town, from 6 percent to 20 percent, due to differences in energy spending and differences in income between towns.

“Vermonters feel the impact of energy choices on their budgets each month. For many families, energy expenses compete with other needs like housing, food and healthcare,” said Rebecca Foster, director of Efficiency Vermont. “By understanding energy burden, rather than just energy spending, we can design and adapt programs to reduce costs for Vermonters who are most challenged by energy costs.”

The report discusses methods to reduce energy burden through efficiency programs and economic development. For each energy sector, the report profiles three highly-burdened communities and identifies programs available in Vermont to reduce energy costs for high burdened households in those communities.

“Affordability is a challenge and a concern for Vermonters and this report is an important reminder that affordability varies by region, making it a matter of economic equity,” Gov. Phil Scott said.

To read the full report, go to efficiencyvermont.com.