By Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and Sec. Neale F. Lunderville

July seems like an unusual month to start thinking about winter. We are busy enjoying the rites of summer – BBQs, fishing, mowing the lawn – and want to chase away the thoughts of snow and cold.

But this summer is unusual in many ways: gasoline is over $4.00 per gallon, diesel is topping $5.00 per gallon, and the cost of food is inching up daily. At every turn, we are confronting the pervasive effects of rising energy prices. These prices are not a blip or a passing bubble; most experts agree that the reality of high fuel costs is something we’ll need to deal with into the future.

This brings us to the winter ahead. Since most Vermonters heat their homes with oil, the cost of fuel will be a real shock to the family checkbook. While there is little we can do as a state to influence the price of oil on the international markets, there are tangible and practical steps we can take – right here at home – to prepare for the coming challenges.

Governor Jim Douglas recently challenged his Administration and the state’s network of service providers to work together to harness all available resources and ideas to fight back against rising fuel costs. The Governor asked us to co-chair a cabinet-level task force designed to bring outside partners together and coordinate the initiatives for maximum effect.

The focus of our efforts is twofold. First, we aim to help Vermonters take proactive steps to reduce their heating bills through weatherization and efficiency. By encouraging Vermonters to invest in projects to button up their homes, we can kickstart fuel savings right away. Second, we are working to provide more resources for individuals and families who may need assistance in the coming months. As the Governor has made clear, we want to ensure that no Vermont family is cold in their home this winter.

Between state, federal, non-profit and private assistance programs, Vermont has an extensive menu of weatherization and efficiency options to fit all income levels. Weatherization upgrades run the gamut, from low-cost, do-it-yourself fixes that could save 15% to more comprehensive improvements that can save many times more in heating bills. Every home is unique and every family situation is unique, so the key is to match Vermonters with right improvement for their home and budget.

To facilitate this step, we partnered with Vermont’s 2-1-1 service to create a “one-stop shop” for folks to determine their best choices. 2-1-1 is a local call that connects Vermonters to the vast network of state resources. It is more than just a referral service, but rather an all-around helpline that will provide answers and advice based on individual needs. The 2-1-1 service has a companion website – www.HelpForVt.org – that offers information and links for weatherization and heating assistance.

Another important partner in this effort is Efficiency Vermont. Through Efficiency Vermont, we are making it easier for homeowners to take a strategic approach to lowering energy bills. Their energy auditing teams focus on the complete energy picture: from how to bring down electric bills through smart electricity choices (compact fluorescent light bulbs, etc) to practical thermal efficiencies (insulation in attic, cleaning your oil burner, diversifying your energy sources). This kind of full-circle thinking can lead to a very quick return on investment and substantially lower energy costs in the years ahead.

Education is also a crucial component of our efforts. Partnering with the Central Vermont Community Action Council and town energy committees, we are hosting one hundred (100) workshops around the state starting later this summer. These two-hour workshops will be focused on practical knowledge Vermonters can use to save 10-20% on heating bills. Energy specialists and certified contractors will demonstrate tricks of trade – no-cost changes to low-cost improvements – that can really make a difference.

While thinking ahead for this winter is crucial, we understand the need to explore all contingencies and look for additional resources to support Vermonters who are struggling to make ends meet. We are working closely with the Legislature to assist our Congressional Delegation in pursuit of additional federal money for the low income heating program known as LIHEAP. We also recognize that the cost of fuel is affecting many other programs across the state – like Meals on Wheels – and are exploring creative approaches to ensure that essential services are not interrupted.

By working together, planning ahead, and taking some common sense steps during the summer months, we’ll be best prepared when the snow flies again. For more information about any of these programs, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.HelpForVt.org.

(Brian Dubie is Vermont’s Lt. Governor. Neale Lunderville is the Secretary of Transportation. Both Co-Chair the Governor’s Fuel & Food Partnership)

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