What is the WRAP process?
The WRAP process begins by contact a Program Administrator at: Vermont Gas Systems (for VGS customers), Burlington Electric Department (for BED customers), or Efficiency Vermont (all other customers). They work directly with prospective customers on completing an energy audit to identify potential weatherization measures and estimate potential energy savings. If your project meets screening criteria and you decide to move forward, they will work with you to complete an application and connect you with an approved contractor.
Once your project is completed, the WRAP charge will be added as a separate line item on the utility bill by your utility provider (this is the gas bill for VGS customers or the electric bill for non-VGS customers).
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) works behind-the-scenes with the three Program Administrators during this process to provide WRAP funding used to pay contractors and administrative costs.
Who is eligible for WRAP?
Vermont homeowners and renters are eligible to apply (see section on renters below).
No credit check is used to determine eligibility, however since repayment is tied to the utility bill, your payment history with your electric/natural gas provider will be reviewed. To qualify for WRAP, you must be current on your utility bill and you must not have had a service shut-off (or shut-off order, for VGS), in the past 12 months.
The majority of program funding is intended to help households whose annual income is no more than 120% of area median income. If your household income is higher than that amount, you may still apply for WRAP, but you may be eligible for fewer grant incentives.
If you earn less than 80% of area median income, you are likely eligible for the state Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). WAP offers free weatherization services, including for renters. While you are still permitted to use WRAP to pay for a project, we encourage you to look into WAP first.
Even if your household or your project isn't a good fit for WRAP, we encourage anyone interested in weatherization to contact Burlington Electric Department, Vermont Gas Systems, or Efficiency Vermont. They may be able to connect you with other incentives or financing to help you pay for home weatherization.
What kinds of properties are eligible?
Residential properties including both single family homes, manufactured/mobile homes, and multi-family homes of up to four units are eligible. However, multi-family buildings must have a single gas or electric meter that is in the building owner’s name, and that building owner must be the person paying the utility bill.
Can I access WRAP if I am a renter?
Renters can participate in WRAP, depending on the type of building they live in.
If you rent a single-family home, manufactured home, or a condo or townhouse that is ground-to-sky (that is, not in a building with units on top of other units), and you pay for your gas or electricity bill, you can participate.
Renters in multifamily buildings of 4 or less units may participate, but the building must have a single gas or electric meter in the name of the landlord who owns the building. The landlord must pay the gas or electric bill, and all the units in the building must participate in the weatherization project. If you are a renter in this type of building, we suggest you encourage your landlord to reach out to the Program Administrator who covers their property.
For renters in any type of building, you will need to have your landlord sign an agreement to have work done on the unit.
Is my utility provider signed up?
Currently, only homes that are serviced by Burlington Electric Department, Green Mountain Power, Ludlow Electric, Vermont Electric Coop, or Vermont Gas Systems can participate in the program. We hope to continue adding new utility providers to the program soon.
What kinds of projects can WRAP help with?
Every WRAP project must include weatherization measures that qualify for utility incentives, which typically include measures like adding insulation and air sealing. Additional eligible measures can also include heat pumps, electric water heaters, and advanced wood heating systems.
Electric vehicle charging systems, solar installation and plug-in appliances are not currently permitted under the program.
How much does WRAP cost?
A monthly charge will be added onto your utility bill and the amount depends on the total cost of the weatherization work, and the different incentives offered by the utility company, the Program Administrator, or VHFA. In some cases, you may need to pay a portion of the weatherization costs up front.
The monthly WRAP charge includes a 2% interest charge and a small monthly fee charged by the utility. Customers will receive a full breakdown of expected costs and savings before starting a project.
The expected annual savings from reduced energy bills when the weatherization measures are installed should exceed the annual WRAP charge on your utility bill, by at least 10%. It is important to note, these savings are not guaranteed due to factors such as potential energy prices and changes in consumer behavior which is outside of our control.
Customers should be aware that they might see both decreases and increases on different utility bills. For example, as part of a project, participants might install weatherization measures and a heat pump. The result might be a slightly higher monthly electricity bill due to the WRAP charge and the cost of running a heat pump, but a lower monthly propane bill due to less fuel needed to keep the home warm. The cost savings target is based on overall energy savings.
What if I move?
The monthly WRAP charge on your utility bill is tied to the property, not your account. If you sell your home, the next homeowner will continue to receive the benefits of the weatherization project, but they will pay the WRAP charge on the utility bill. If you are a renter and move, the next tenant will pay the charge on their utility bill.