SOUTH BURLINGTON — Vermont Gas Systems announced that this week it is officially an Energy Efficiency Utility (EEU) as designated by the Vermont Public Service Board.
The company, which serves customers in Franklin and Chittenden counties and is expanding to Addison County, said it will continue to spread the benefits of energy efficiency to more of its 50,000 customers. Vermont Gas’s energy efficiency program has received national accolades including the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2012 Energy Star Partner of the Year.
Vermont Gas customers will see a separate line item on their monthly bill for investment in energy efficiency that was previously included in other categories.
“This designation reinforces our commitment to build on our efficiency services to help our customers cut costs and reduce carbon emissions,” said Don Rendall, Vermont Gas president and CEO.
 “The cheapest and cleanest energy is what we don’t use,” he continued. “We have helped over 30,000 families and businesses reduce their carbon footprint and save money through greater energy efficiency and we look forward to working with thousands of customers this year.”
Vermont Gas says its efficiency programs — which include energy audits, equipment rebates and incentives — save customers about $14 million a year, up nearly $1 million in 2015 alone. In addition, it says that in just two counties where Vermont Gas operates, those customers avoid emissions equal to three percent of Vermont’s cars and light trucks.