Vermont Electricity Information
Vermont generates nearly all of its electricity from renewable sources, with hydroelectric, wind, and solar power leading the way. The state has no in-state fossil fuel power plants, relying instead on clean imports and local renewables to meet demand. This commitment to sustainability results in some of the lowest carbon emissions in the country. However, Vermont’s electricity prices are among the highest in the nation, partly due to its small-scale grid, transmission costs, and dependence on imported power.
Find Electricity Providers In Vermont
Ranks 50th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 23.21¢ /kWh
Ranks 42nd Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $116.06
Ranks 9th Cheapest in the U.S.
Electricity Production By Source
Emissions From Electricity Generation
Estimate Your Emissions From Your Electricity Usage
How much CO2, SO2, and NOx do you generate from the electricity that powers your home?
Renewable Electricity Generation
83.48% of Total Production
Energy Usage in Vermont
Vermont’s electricity consumption is shaped by its cold, snowy winters and mild summers, characteristic of the Northeastern climate. Heating needs are significant in winter, though many homes rely on fuel oil or wood rather than electricity. Summer electricity demand is relatively low since air conditioning use is moderate compared to hotter regions. Vermont’s strong energy efficiency programs help keep per-capita electricity consumption among the lowest in the nation, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainability while ensuring reliable power for residents and businesses.
Municipal Utilities in Vermont
While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Vermont offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Vermont, 7 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.
Largest Electric Companies in Vermont
The rest of Vermont receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:
Vermont Natural Gas Information
Vermont uses far less natural gas than most states. Service is concentrated in the northwest around Burlington, so many homes elsewhere rely on heating oil, propane, wood, or heat pumps. Winters are long and cold, which lifts demand where pipes exist, but the statewide footprint stays small. Roughly one in five households use natural gas as their primary heating fuel, and per-capita gas consumption ranks among the lowest in the country. Power plants burn very little gas in Vermont, so most of the fuel goes to space and water heating with a modest share for businesses and industry.
Largest Natural Gas Companies in Vermont
Many of the residents of Vermont receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.
Find Natural Gas Providers In Vermont
Vermont Internet Connectivity
Largest Internet Providers in Vermont
When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Vermont have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Vermont homes online and in the loop:
Find Internet Providers In Vermont
Know Your Rights: Consumer Protections
As a utility customer in Vermont, you have specific rights protected by state law and the Public Utility Commission. These protections are designed to ensure fair treatment, particularly during disputes or financial hardship.
- Disconnection Safeguards: Regulated utilities (electric, natural gas, water, and landline telephone) are prohibited from disconnecting service on weekends, legal holidays, or days when their business offices are closed to the public.
- Medical Emergency Protection: If disconnection of service would create an immediate and serious health hazard for a member of your household, you can submit a Physician’s Certificate to your utility. This can prevent disconnection for up to 30 days (renewable up to two times).
- Winter Disconnection Ban: Between November 1 and March 31, strict regulations limit the disconnection of utility services that are used as a primary source of heat.
- Dispute Resolution: If you have a complaint that you cannot resolve directly with your utility provider, the Vermont Department of Public Service offers free mediation assistance.
- Contact the Consumer Affairs & Public Information (CAPI) Division or call 1-800-622-4496.
Energy Efficiency & Rebates
Vermont has some of the most aggressive energy efficiency programs in the country. Before buying new appliances or upgrading your heating system, check for available funds to lower your upfront costs.
- Efficiency Vermont: This statewide "energy efficiency utility" offers cash-back rebates on LEDs, smart thermostats, heat pumps, water heaters, and weatherization projects for most Vermonters.
- Utility-Specific Incentives: Many utility providers offer their own incentives that can sometimes be combined with Efficiency Vermont offers.
- Green Mountain Power: Offers rebates for electric vehicles, batteries, and induction stoves. View GMP Rebates
- Vermont Gas Systems: Offers substantial rebates for high-efficiency boilers, furnaces, and insulation. View VGS Rebates
- Renewable Energy (Net Metering): Vermont allows homeowners to generate their own power (solar, wind) and receive credits on their electric bill for the excess energy they send back to the grid.
High-Speed Internet in Rural Vermont
Getting reliable internet in rural areas is a priority in Vermont. To solve coverage gaps, many towns have joined together to form Communications Union Districts (CUDs). These are municipal entities (similar to water districts) dedicated to building fiber-optic broadband in underserved areas.
- Find Your Provider: Your internet options often depend on which CUD your town belongs to. Major districts include:
- NEK Broadband (Northeast Kingdom)
- ECFiber (East-Central Vermont)
- Maple Broadband (Addison County)
- CVFiber (Central Vermont)
- Check Availability: The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) coordinates these efforts. You can check the status of the rollout in your specific town or find your local CUD website for connection dates.
Buying Heating Fuel (Oil & Propane)
Unlike electricity and natural gas, the prices for delivered fuels like heating oil, kerosene, and propane are not regulated by the state. However, consumers still have protections regarding service and contracts.
- Shopping Around: Because prices vary by dealer, it is highly recommended to call multiple providers to compare per-gallon rates and delivery fees. You can also join fuel buying co-ops to access negotiated bulk rates.
- Propane Tank Rights: Under Vermont "Propane Rule 111," if you switch providers, the old company must refund you for the fuel remaining in the tank they remove (within specific timeframes). They are also limited in what fees they can charge for tank removal.
- Pre-Buy Plans: Many Vermonters sign "pre-buy" contracts in the summer to lock in a fixed price for the winter. Be sure to read the fine print regarding what happens if fuel prices drop below your locked-in rate.
Utility Costs in Vermont
The average monthly total utility bills in Vermont is $247.49, which is 10.7% lower than the national average.
Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Vermont
Vermont offers several statewide programs to help residents manage high energy costs, prevent disconnections, and improve home energy efficiency. Assistance is available through state agencies, utility companies, and community organizations.
Statewide Energy Assistance Programs
Most major utility providers in Vermont offer income-eligible discounts, and the state provides seasonal help for heating costs.
-
Seasonal Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP): Administered by the Department for Children and Families (DCF), this program helps pay part of the winter heating bills for eligible households. It covers various fuel types, including oil, propane, electricity, and wood.
-
Green Mountain Power (GMP) Energy Assistance Program: GMP customers with a gross monthly household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level can receive a 25% discount on their monthly electric bill.
-
Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) Assistance: Similar to the electric discount, VGS offers a 20% discount to income-qualified residential customers.
-
Crisis Fuel Assistance: If you are running out of fuel or facing a disconnect, this emergency program operates during the winter months (typically late November through April). Applications are processed through local Community Action Agencies.
Programs for Seniors
Seniors in Vermont (age 60+) often have access to expedited application processes and specific support lines.
-
Vermont Senior Helpline: Seniors can call 1-800-642-5119 for guidance on applying for fuel assistance, 3SquaresVT, and other benefits.
-
Crisis Fuel Accommodations: While most applicants must visit a Community Action Agency in person for Crisis Fuel, seniors and individuals with disabilities are often permitted to apply over the phone.
-
Weatherization Assistance: Seniors are prioritized for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides free home improvements (like insulation and air sealing) to permanently lower energy bills.
Support for Veterans
Veterans facing financial hardship can access dedicated funds in addition to standard state assistance.
-
Vermont Veteran Assistance Fund: Administered by the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, this fund provides a one-time payment (up to $500) to low-income veterans who are in a financial crisis and need help paying for critical needs, including utilities.
-
Visit the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs or call 802-828-3379.
-
-
Friends of Veterans: This organization helps veterans and their families prevent homelessness and can assist with utility shut-off notices and heating fuel needs.
Information for Students
While there is no specific “student-only” utility discount, students living off-campus may still qualify for general assistance programs based on income.
-
Income Eligibility: Students who are financially independent or share a household with roommates should check the income guidelines for the Green Mountain Power EAP and Seasonal Fuel Assistance. Eligibility is based on the gross monthly income of all household members.
-
Vermont 211: Students struggling with bills can dial 2-1-1 (or visit Vermont211.org) to be connected with local resources, food shelves, and emergency financial aid.
Find more information in the Student Utility Guide
Find Utility Providers In Vermont
Utility Providers by City in Vermont
| City Name | Population | Municipal Electricity |
|---|---|---|
| Barre | 8,514 | No |
| Bellows Falls | 2,734 | No |
| Burlington | 115,682 | Yes |
| Essex Junction | 10,473 | No |
| Manchester Center | 2,096 | No |
| Montpelier | 7,966 | No |
| Morrisville | 2,326 | Yes |
| Newport | 4,446 | No |
| Rutland | 15,934 | No |
| South Burlington | 20,042 | No |
| St. Albans | 6,866 | No |
| Vergennes | 2,573 | No |
| West Brattleboro | 2,770 | No |
| White River Junction | 2,776 | No |
| Wilder | 3,375 | No |
| Winooski | 8,015 | No |
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.