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Read. Follow. Verify.Vermont directs Efficiency Vermont to design a statewide home energy navigator program and appropriates $165,000
Last action · March 24, 2026: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital InfrastructureSponsors: Ruth Hardy and 2 others
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What This Bill Would Do
Efficiency Vermont must design a statewide community-based home and coaching program for residential consumers and submit a design report by January 15, 2027. The act appropriates $15,000 to Efficiency Vermont and $150,000 to the Climate Economy Action Center from the General Fund in 2027, taking effect on July 1, 2026.
Residential consumers, especially those with low and moderate incomes, will have access to in-person and remote coaching services to navigate home energy efficiency options, grants, rebates, and contractor recommendations starting July 1, 2026.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
residential consumers
Residential consumers receive in-person and remote energy coaching services, guidance on grants and rebates, and contractor analysis.
Efficiency Vermont
Efficiency Vermont is tasked with designing the statewide program, consulting with stakeholders, submitting a legislative report, and receiving a $15,000 appropriation.
Climate Economy Action Center
The Climate Economy Action Center receives a $150,000 appropriation to collaborate on program design, continue developing resources, and expand its program to a neighboring county.
Vermont electric utilities
Electric utilities are consulted by Efficiency Vermont during the design of the community-based energy program.
Key Facts
- Efficiency Vermont must design a statewide community-based home energy navigator and coaching program providing in-person and remote energy coaching to residential consumers.
- The program must provide guidance to low- and moderate-income residential consumers on clean energy investment options, grants, rebates, and financing.
- The program must assist consumers in prioritizing energy-saving opportunities, weatherization strategies, and connecting with local contractors.
- Efficiency Vermont must submit a report on the program design to legislative committees on or before January 15, 2027.
Show all 7 facts
- In fiscal year 2027, $15,000.00 is appropriated from the General Fund to Efficiency Vermont for the energy navigator program report.
- In fiscal year 2027, $150,000.00 is appropriated from the General Fund to the Climate Economy Action Center to collaborate on program design and expand its program to a neighboring county.
- The act takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the home energy navigator program?
When is the program design report due?
Who receives funding under this act?
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently passed chamber. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Law.
Procedural history
20 actions- Mar 24, 2026HouseIntroducedRead first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure
- Mar 19, 2026SenateFloorRead 3rd time & passed
- Mar 19, 2026SenateNew Business/Third Reading
- Mar 18, 2026Senate3rd reading ordered
- Mar 18, 2026SenateRecommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy , as amended, agreed to
- Mar 18, 2026SenateRecommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy amended as recommended by Committee on Appropriations
Show 14 earlier actions
- Mar 18, 2026SenateReported favorably by Senator Watson for Committee on Appropriations with recommendation of amendment
- Mar 18, 2026SenateRead 2nd time, reported favorably with recommendation of amendment by Senator Hardy for Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
- Mar 18, 2026SenateFavorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Appropriations
- Mar 18, 2026SenateFavorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
- Mar 18, 2026SenateSecond Reading
- Mar 17, 2026SenateFavorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Appropriations
- Mar 17, 2026SenateFavorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
- Mar 17, 2026SenateSecond Reading
- Mar 17, 2026SenateEntered on Notice Calendar
- Mar 10, 2026SenateCommitteeReferred to Committee on Appropriations per Senate Rule 31
- Mar 10, 2026SenateFavorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
- Mar 10, 2026SenateSecond Reading
- Mar 10, 2026SenateEntered on Notice Calendar
- Jan 8, 2026SenateIntroducedRead 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
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Sources
legislature.vermont.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance40How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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