With heating oil and kerosene prices rising quickly, it’s important to know where you can get assistance for home heating and electric costs. This information will remain on our home page throughout the winter for easy access.
Vermont’s Economic Services Division (ESD)
For General Fuel Assistance follow this link to get details and fill out the application: https://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/applicants/mybenefits
Assistance via BROC Community Action
CRISIS FUEL (heating oil or propane):
Please call first (802-775-0878). They'll tell you where to start, documents and information you need to bring to apply.
If you are elderly or disabled and can't apply in person, your local agency may accept your application by phone.
Weekends & Holidays
If you are elderly, disabled, or have a child under 6 living in your household:
You may call 1-800-479-6151 toll-free — on weekends and holidays — to apply for Crisis Fuel Assistance.
You can do this starting the last Saturday in November until the first Sunday in April.
If you are granted assistance on a weekend or holiday, you'll still need to complete an application to receive any possible future assistance.
EMERGENCY HEATING SYSTEM REPAIRS:
Who Is Eligible
Your household income must be equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
You must be experiencing a heating crisis during the winter that involves your home's primary source of heat (e.g., a boiler, fireplace, furnace, heat pump, space heater, or wood-burning/pellet stove).
When To Apply
Applications are accepted from Nov 1 through April 29 of each year.
How To Apply
Apply in person
Call BROC first. They'll tell you what documents and information you need to bring.
If you are elderly or disabled and can't go in person, they may accept your application by phone.
Weekends & Holidays
If you are elderly, disabled, or have a child under 6 in your household, you may call 1-800-479-6151 on weekends and holidays to apply. Follow up by completing an application at BROC.
Energy Assistance from Green Mountain Power
If approved, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides a 25% discount each month to income-qualified customers on the customer charge and the energy charge. There may also be arrearage forgiveness for eligible customers enrolled in the program.
Who is eligible
You must:
Be a residential Green Mountain Power customer
Have gross monthly household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
How to apply
Print and complete the application or call 1-800-775-0516 to get one sent to you.
Sign the application.
Attach a copy of your latest electric bill.
Send it to: ADPC - Economic Services Division, 280 State Drive, Waterbury VT 05671-1500.
Use the Document Uploader to send any additional documents we ask for.
You must reapply each year to keep getting the discount!
Where to learn more
Call 1-800-775-0516 if you have questions about the program.
Call 1-888-835-4672 if you have questions about your Green Mountain Power bill.
Offering free weatherization supplies at Brandon Free Public Library. Free consultations are also available. An Energy Navigator meets with you at your home to discuss your goals, review your current energy uses and bills, and more. We outline the various options that you have and collaborate to help you develop a plan for any changes that might help reduce your energy usage. This includes discussing finance and rebate options, helping connect you with contractors, and checking in to help you through every step! You can reach us via email at [email protected].
Button Up is Vermont’s annual campaign to help you prepare your home for winter. From low- and no-cost efficiency tips to comprehensive projects designed to reduce heating bills, it’s a great way to save money and stay comfortable all winter long.
The next event is "Heat Pumps 101", Oct. 1, 5:30-7 p.m., Greensboro United Church of Christ's Fellowship Hall, Greensboro, Vt. See all upcoming Button Up events.
Wood Heat Assistance: We have been unable to find someone in Rutland County. Should you know of anyone, please reach out to us so we can update this article: [email protected]
