VLITE General Grants Program

Vermont Low Income Trust for Electricity (VLITE) General Grants Program

Mission: To advance Vermont's Comprehensive Energy Plan by funding initiatives with particular emphasis on the energy needs of low-income Vermonters.

Geographic Scope: Vermont

Funding Available: Approximately $1 million per year in dividend income from VELCO

Strategic Focus

As of FY 2019, VLITE allocates grant funding as follows:

75% Low-Income Energy Efficiency & Renewables: Projects improving energy efficiency for low-income Vermonters, reducing energy costs, and installing renewable energy systems

25% Transformational Comprehensive Energy Plan Projects: Projects that serve as models and open new pathways for:

- Renewable technologies
- Energy efficiency measures
- Education and outreach programs
- Energy job training
- New energy sector business programs

Key Focus Areas

• Energy efficiency improvements for low-income households
• Renewable energy installation (solar, biomass)
• Electric vehicle deployment and charging infrastructure
• Workforce development and job training in energy sector
• Utility support for power supply protection and smart energy deployment
• Emergency heating assistance
• Weatherization services

Alignment with Vermont's Comprehensive Energy Plan

VLITE supports Vermont's goal that by 2050, 90% of all Vermont's energy needs (transportation, buildings, electric power) will be met by renewable sources, with overall energy consumption reduced by more than one-third.

Grant Review Schedule

As of 2019, VLITE conducts grant reviews twice per year:

May Board Meeting (typically 5/21): Comprehensive Energy Plan grants

September Board Meeting (typically 9/10): Low-income efficiency and renewables

Contact Information:

Executive Director: Gabrielle Malina

Address: PO Box 1072, Montpelier, VT 05601-1072

Phone: 802-793-4330

Email: [email protected]

Grant History

Since 2013, VLITE has issued over $6 million in grants supporting projects that:

Reduced energy costs and improved long-term energy efficiency for low-income Vermonter homes

Promoted electric vehicles and installed charging stations

Helped utilities protect power supplies and deploy renewable energy

Notable Past Grant Categories (2013):
1. Solar Furnaces ($125,000)
2. Vermont Fuel Efficiency Partnership ($165,000)
3. Barriers to Weatherization Pilot ($75,000)
4. WARMTH Program - Emergency Heating Assistance ($100,000)
5. Weatherization Training Trailer ($20,000)
6. Heat Pump Water Heaters Pilot ($90,000)
7. ReSOURCE Group YouthBuild Renewable Energy Training ($190,000)
8. Drive Electric Vermont ($130,000)
9. Thermal Energy Efficiency Funding ($150,000)
10. Institute for Energy and the Environment at Vermont Law School ($40,000)