"Geo-Targeting" is short for Geographic Targeting. As the name suggests, Efficiency Vermont will be directing energy efficiency efforts toward targeted geographic areas across the state to help relieve the electric load on constrained transmission and distribution systems. Click the image at left to read more in the Geographic Targeting brochure

A "constrained transmission and distribution system" is an area where the demand for power on the electric transmission and distribution facilities is at or near capacity during periods of peak demand for electricity. These peak demand periods typically occur during the hottest days of the summer or coldest days during the winter. As electricity demand increases, the need to take action, either to upgrade the electric transmission and distribution infrastructure or to reduce the load becomes more critical.

Efficiency Vermont's Geo-Targeting effort is the first of its kind in the nation. If successful, it will demonstrate lower cost ways to accommodate growing electricity demands.

Below are guidelines to help you get involved or to form your own town energy committees:

Geographic Targeting press release (PDF)

Community Energy Guidebook (PDF)

(Click on Geographic Targeted areas of map to view more information about each area.)

Efficiency Vermont will be focusing on specific energy efficiency efforts for customers within these targeted territories. These efforts may include enhanced services or increased incentives to encourage efficiency measures.  In addition to lowering the energy costs of participating homes and businesses, the services Efficiency Vermont is offering will reduce the overall peak demand for electricity. 

These efforts benefit all customers across the state by reducing expensive power supply purchases.  Furthermore, if enough homes and businesses improve their electrical energy efficiency within these targeted areas, all Vermont electric ratepayers will benefit by avoiding the need for additional transmission and distribution upgrades. 

The territories being targeted were identified by the affected utilities - Green Mountain Power, Central Vermont Public Service, and the Vermont Electric Cooperative.

They are: St. Albans and vicinity, most of Chittenden County, Rutland and vicinity and the southern portion of Vermont from Bennington to Manchester to Brattleboro (see map). About 73,000 homes and businesses were identified for targeting by the two utilities operating in these four areas.

This website provides more detail about the Geo-Targeted efforts through interactive maps, Frequently Asked Questions, links to services and partners, and more. Stay tuned for updates to the site and for information about upcoming events in your community.

For more information, please click here.

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