VERMONT BIZ 05/28/20
VTDIGGER
DAILY ENERGY INSIDER

New GMP Programs Include Enhanced Rebates Plus Innovative Solar Credit Sharing App to Assist Recovery for Small Businesses in Vermont

Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power (GMP) launched a new package of incentives and programs called Go, Save & Share Green with GMP to help customers save money and help small businesses get back on their feet following the COVID-19 economic shutdown. GMP is increasing rebates on heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric mowers and electric bikes now through the end of August, and will launch a solar credit sharing program in June, as well as a new way for customers to reduce energy use that also raises money for the Vermont Food Bank.

“These new rebates and energy-sharing programs are innovative ways we can help customers save money while helping each other, the economy and the environment at the same time,” said Mari McClure, GMP’s president and CEO. “This is at the core of GMP’s approach every day, and it matters now more than ever as we work together through this recovery,” she said.

When GMP launched its $400 heat pump rebate in 2019, customers responded in record numbers, and the company expects that the new, $800 rebate will make it easier for more customers to switch to cleaner, more efficient heating and cooling at home – which also increases business for Vermont companies that install heat pumps.

“The timing of this increased rebate is great,” said Nick Paquette, owner of Paquette Plumbing in Mendon. “Cost is always a big factor for customers, and this will definitely drive an uptick in our business. Heat pumps make up more than 30 percent of the work we do, and we will see more customers thanks to this new way to save.”

Next month, GMP will launch a groundbreaking way for net-metering customers to share solar credits to assist small Vermont businesses working to get back on their feet. The Share with Vermont Green app will allow customers to select the amount of solar power they’d like to share, and that value will go directly to help small businesses and non-profits in the form of a bill credit. If every non-group net-metering customer shares all of the excess energy they’re sending back to the grid – that could generate millions in assistance by the end of this year.

GMP’s Innovation Team was inspired to adapt the Vermont Green renewable energy sharing app after getting an emailed suggestion in March from customer Michael Shank of Brandon, who wanted to share his extra solar credits as a way of helping organizations in need.

“GMP is finding innovative ways to help customers and the planet – from money saving EV programs that reduce carbon to this energy-sharing program,” Shank said. “This is a great first step toward more choice in energy sharing and shows how responsive GMP is to their customers. This program stands to help many Vermonters at a time when it is so badly needed, and I hope it is successful so it could eventually expand to other energy sharing options.”

Another new GMP program called Save and Share with GMP will launch in July. Customers can reduce their energy use while raising money for the Vermont Food Bank and helping all GMP customers save. Customers can enroll to get notifications about peak demand times on the grid, so they know when to reduce their energy use. This reduces energy costs when they are most expensive and the savings will go to all GMP customers, with a portion benefitting the Vermont Food Bank, which is seeing an unprecedented surge of requests for help with food assistance.

“So many Vermonters are facing hardships, and to see this type of support, shows a great Team Vermont approach. We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of Vermont neighbors seeking help, and our goal is to make sure no Vermonter goes hungry,” said John Sayles, CEO of the Vermont Foodbank. “The need is great, but so is the kindness of Vermonters.”

The Go, Save & Share Green With GMP program is just one of the steps GMP has taken to help customers during the pandemic.

Go, Save & Share Green With GMP

Enhanced rebates good through Aug. 31, 2020

Heat pump, now $800 (was $400): https://greenmountainpower.com/product/ductless-heat-pump/
Heat pump water heater, new $200 (can combine with up to $600 from Efficiency Vermont): https://greenmountainpower.com/product/heat-pump-water-heater/
Electric bike, now $300 (was $200): https://greenmountainpower.com/product/ebike-rebate/
Electric mower, $75 (was $50): https://greenmountainpower.com/product/green-up-your-mowing/
Energy Sharing

Share with Vermont Green
Launches in June, a convenient app makes it simple for net metering customers to share energy they’re exporting back to the grid. The credits they share will benefit small Vermont businesses working to get back on their feet.

Save and Share
Launches in July. Help Vermonters in need by reducing your energy use during peak demand times on the grid. This saves all GMP customers money and some of those savings will be shared with the Vermont Foodbank. Enroll, and you will get notifications about peaks. Turn down your power use to help others. It is that easy!