Burlington Electric seeks 4.5% rate filing; expands energy-assistance eligibility to shelters and certain affordable housing

Burlington Electric Department (BED) officials presented a proposed 4.5% rate increase request for fiscal 2026 and a tariff revision expanding the department’s Energy Assistance Program.

BED leadership told the council the 4.5% change is the department’s proposed filing to the Vermont Public Utility Commission; staff said the PUC process could justify a somewhat higher figure but the department was seeking a lower mid-single-digit increase. BED representatives presented long-term comparisons showing Burlington residential rates remain below the Vermont and New England averages and said the department sought to keep rate changes modest.

BED also proposed tariff changes to expand the Energy Assistance Program. The revisions would:

- Enroll residential shelters serving unhoused people (approximately seven shelters and about 120 beds, by BED’s estimate) so shelters can access the discount;
- Make certain affordable housing providers eligible if they can demonstrate they will pass on the discount to residents (BED staff cited about 13 affordable/supportive properties representing roughly 350 units in their enrollment estimate); and
- Allow net-metered customers (customers with on-site solar) to be eligible when they meet program rules and either pass benefits to residents or are shelters.

BED staff said a prior change substantially increased enrollment (tripling it) by changing outreach and enrollment rules, and they expect the tariff revisions to add more lower-income and nonprofit customers who run shelters or affordable housing. BED presented estimated average cents-per-month impacts for program beneficiaries; the department noted the program is a discount and the average eligible customer would see a modest dollar benefit.

Councilor Barlow moved to authorize the BED general manager to file tariff amendments and ask the council to authorize a separate filing for the 4.5% rate change; both motions were approved unanimously.

Why it matters: The rate filing affects customer bills across classes and the energy-assistance changes broaden support for low-income customers and nonprofits operating shelter and supportive housing. The BED filings must be accepted and ultimately approved or modified by the Vermont Public Utility Commission.

What’s next: BED will file the tariff and rate cases with the PUC and begin implementation steps for expanded Energy Assistance Program eligibility if the PUC approves BED’s tariff revisions.

Speakers quoted in this article are from the BED presentation and council discussion.