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Oct 28, 2023

Vermont Gas launches residential heat pumps programme

Vermont Gas Systems is launching a new programme to facilitate installing

Vermont Gas Systems is launching a new programme to facilitate installing electric heat pumps in customers’ homes.

With heat pumps emerging as the low-carbon heating option for the future, more and more utilities are set to facilitate their installation in response to local and or national climate legislation.

Vermont Gas is the latest utility with a programme, in response to the state's Global Warming Solutions Act, which is targeting net zero by 2050, as well as the new Clean Heat Standard to reduce emissions from buildings.

The programme is built around a centrally ducted heat pump concept that utilises the existing ductwork in the home.

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This configuration employs a smart thermostat to integrate a cold climate heat pump with a furnace. The heat pump is set as the primary heating source, while the gas furnace serves as an auxiliary backup system. The smart thermostat toggles between heat sources based upon outdoor temperature and the user's desired comfort settings.

"For over five decades, Vermont Gas has helped our customers adapt new technology to make their homes and heating systems more efficient," said President and CEO Neale Lunderville.

"Now we’re doubling our efforts to give customers sustainable choices and lead in the fight against climate change. Our job is to make the switch to heat pump technology easy."

Vermont Gas estimates that approximately 14,000 of its residential customers could be eligible for a centrally ducted heat pump system.

In addition to reducing fossil gas that would otherwise be used for heating, the hybrid approach also transforms a home's existing ductwork into a distribution network for cool air in the summer.

With the launch of the programme the company is offering what it calls "attractive sales and leasing options".

The centrally ducted heat pump programme expands on Vermont Gas's low carbon energy offerings, which include electric heat pump water heater options – a first at its launch in 2021 for a US gas-only utility.

Vermont Gas serves approximately 54,000 residential, business and other customers in three Vermont counties.