Effective July 1, 2013, lower-income Vermont Gas customers may qualify for a special rate that is 20% less expensive than the standard residential rate. The rate was created as a result of a Vermont Public Service Board initiative to help lower energy costs for the most financially vulnerable natural gas customers.
About a third of all Vermont households live in homes heated with gas, although this percentage varies greatly by location, according to the Vermont Housing Data website.
Eligibility for the program will be determined by the Vermont Department for Children and Families. The maximum gross monthly income is 185% of the federal poverty level based on household size. For example, the maximum gross income per month for a 3-person family is $3,011; add or subtract $620 per person for larger or smaller families. For an application or additional information about eligibility, call the DCF Energy Assistance Office at 1-800-775-0516 after June 15, or visit their website at www.energyhelp.vt.gov.
Read more about the program on the Vermont Gas website.