To The Editor:
I’m writing to clarify a statement made recently in an opinion column by Heidi Spear and Seth Henry, which originally appeared in the September 1 issue of The Valley Reporter under the headline “The case for ticket-splitting.”
The authors’ incorrectly assert that “Efficiency Vermont is ... enjoying a full 50 percent of taxpayer funding as overhead.” It is true that Efficiency Vermont, like any business or nonprofit organization, incurs administrative costs as part of its operational expense. However, our administrative costs are considerably lower – about 14 percent based on our 2015 budget.
The statement echoes a common misperception that incentives and rebates are the only tools Efficiency Vermont uses to create energy savings. In reality, we do considerably more to help our customers choose more efficient equipment, technologies and practices that help save them energy and money. Because of the investment Vermont has made in energy efficiency since Efficiency Vermont was created more than 15 years ago, we use nearly 14 percent less electricity than we would otherwise. Energy efficiency is an integral and valuable part of Vermont’s energy system, helping stabilize and reduce costs for everyone.
We would be delighted to share more about the work we do to help residents, businesses, institutions such as universities and hospitals and public service agencies throughout Vermont to save energy, reduce their costs and increase their comfort. We invite your readers to take one easy step toward reducing their energy costs by calling us at 888-921-5990 or visit us online at EfficiencyVermont.com.
Liz Gamache, director
Efficiency Vermont
