Burlington, the Green City Capital of the USA, is making tremendous strides in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions through a comprehensive set of electrification programs. The city’s efforts are yielding impressive results, with a 19 percent reduction in emissions from the ground transportation and thermal sectors since 2018. Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and the Burlington Electric Department (BED) are committed to accelerating these efforts, introducing new programs and incentives to further reduce emissions and promote a sustainable future.

The Current State of Electrification in Burlington

• Since 2018, Burlington has seen a 19 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the ground transportation and thermal sectors, with emissions decreasing to approximately 174,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2024.
• The city’s progress in reducing emissions is in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) targets for reductions by 2030.
• Burlington is outpacing state and national trends in its emissions reduction progress, with a nearly double reduction of 18.1 percent compared to 9.4 percent statewide over the same timeframe.

The city’s commitment to electrification is reflected in its Net Zero Energy Roadmap, which aims to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050. The roadmap is a comprehensive plan that outlines the steps needed to achieve this goal, including increasing the use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and other low-carbon technologies.

New Programs and Incentives

• Expanded EV Charging Rate Hours: BED will expand its EV charging rate hours, allowing customers to charge their vehicles at any time of day or night, except during a limited number of peak events each month.
• Direct Bill Credits: BED will provide direct bill credits for some of its electrification incentives, making it easier for customers to take advantage of these benefits.
• Pilot Programs: BED will launch two pilot programs, one for residential battery storage and one for heat pump bill credits, to test new technologies and approaches to reducing emissions.
• On-Bill Rebate Credit Pilot: BED will implement a trial of providing rebates for certain beneficial electrification efforts as bill credits, rather than through the issuance of paper checks.

The new programs and incentives are designed to encourage more people to adopt electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other low-carbon technologies, while also making these technologies more affordable and accessible to all residents of Burlington.

Case Studies

Two students from Edmunds Elementary School, Julian Chandler and Harris Tetsill, shared their thoughts on the importance of reducing emissions and promoting sustainability in Burlington. “As Burlington School District students, and young people growing up in Burlington, we’re glad to know that our City is working to be more sustainable by using less fossil fuels. Our future depends on it.”

Conclusion

Burlington, Vermont, is a leader in the fight against climate change, and its electrification efforts are a shining example of what can be achieved through determination and innovation. As the city continues to accelerate its efforts to reduce emissions and promote a sustainable future, it will serve as a model for other cities around the world to follow.

“Climate action is among the top priorities for my Administration, and I appreciate that the Net Zero Energy Roadmap update shows continued reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in 2024,” stated Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. “Burlington Electric is leading with strong incentives and programs to help ratepayers switch to electric technologies and reduce emissions. Importantly, our climate efforts include not only emissions reduction, but also resilience and adaptation, and there is great work on these issues happening across our City Departments and in our community.