in support of Net Zero Montpelier
Montpelier, Vermont will be the nation’s first net-zero capital in the nation, hwere all energy used for heat, electricity, and transportation is produced or offset by renewable sources. Photo: Flickr VTcity-charlieontheradio
COLCHESTER, Vt. …. Green Mountain Power is expanding its groundbreaking heat pump pilot program to Montpelier as part of the city’s major initiative focused on making Montpelier the first net zero capital city in the country.
“We are so pleased to be able to offer Montpelier residents the opportunity to heat their homes with air-source heat pumps, which will save them thousands of dollars each year and help Montpelier reach its goal of reducing the use of fossil fuels in the city,” said Mary Powell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Green Mountain Power.
“This is a significant milestone in our work to have Montpelier meet all its power needs through renewable energy sources and efficiency by 2030,” said Montpelier Mayor John Hollar. “A coalition of organizations is committed to making this vision a reality and we appreciate Green Mountain Power stepping up with a program that will bring real savings to help us make progress towards our goal.”
Green Mountain Power has been running what is believed to be the first utility-sponsored heat pump rental program in the country today, a pilot effort centered in Rutland and intended to save customers money and demonstrate the comfort air-source heat pumps can provide in a cold-weather climate.
Tim Shea, Chair of the Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee, said, “Montpelier is poised to change how we meet our energy needs, and Green Mountain Power’s commitment will help us succeed.”
“Combined with the City’s new biomass district heating system, cold climate heat pumps will make Montpelier’s heating more efficient and further reduce use of traditional heating oil,” added Andrea Colnes of the Energy Action Network.
Cold climate heat pumps, also known as mini-split heat pumps, are ductless heating systems that also provide air conditioning during hot weather. Installed in less than a day, a heat pump includes an outdoor unit that works as a heat exchanger, like the compressor in a refrigerator, and is connected with copper tubing to a small interior unit.
Under the pilot program, GMP will pay to install heat pumps in customers’ homes and small businesses, and rent them to the property owners for $44 to $53 per month. GMP estimates customers can save 25% to 50% of their home heating costs.
Customers interested in enrolling in the pilot, or who would like more information, may call the heat pump team in the Energy Innovation Center at 802-229-7902 or email heatpump@greenmountainpower.com.
About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power (www.greenmountainpower.com) generates, transmits, distributes and sells electricity in the state of Vermont. The company, which serves more than 250,000 customers, has set its vision to be the best small utility in America.
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