FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

May 28, 2024 

Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak Convenes Community Safety Advisors 

In the coming weeks, the group will be tasked with providing input and recommendations to strengthen the City’s approach to Community Safety.  

Burlington, Vt – On Tuesday, May 21, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak convened a group of advisors with lived and professional community safety experience. This team of advisors will provide input on the City’s current approach to community safety and offer expertise and recommendations for immediate and long-term improvement. The team will play an advisory role to the Mayor and City staff responsible for implementing community safety systems, who will retain final decision-making power. The goal of this work is to ensure that our approach to community safety reflects the needs, values, and priorities of the City and its residents. 

Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak offered the following in a statement:  

“Improving Community Safety is a top priority for my administration. We will work to break down silos to create a comprehensive system built on collaboration to efficiently and effectively serve Burlington residents.  

“This team of Community Safety Advisors will work together in the coming weeks to share their perspectives and provide recommendations to support the City’s ongoing efforts to improve safety in Burlington.  

“I’m deeply grateful for the twenty-three community leaders who have stepped forward to support the City in this way. I am confident that through their collective thinking and collaboration with City staff, we will make meaningful progress.”  

The Mayor’s Team of Community Safety Advisors Includes:  

Al Gobeille – Gobeille brings experience as a long-time Burlington business owner and the former Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Human Services. Gobeille is representing the Burlington Business Association. 

Ali Dieng – Dieng is a community builder and a former Burlington City Councilor.  

Brent Demers – Demers works at City Market Downtown and is member of the Co-op's safety team. 

Drukhshan Farhad – Farhad is a Program Officer with the Vermont Afghan Alliance. 

Elissa Johnk – Reverend Johnk is a Burlington Faith Leader currently serving as Senior Minister at the United Congregational Church.  

Ingrid Jonas – Major Jonas (ret.) was the first commander of the Office of Fair and Impartial Policing and Community Affairs for the Vermont State Police. Jonas was the first woman to reach the rank of commander within the VSP.  

Jeff McKee – McKee is the CEO of Community Health Centers of Burlington. 

Jess Kirby – Kirby brings years of professional experience in harm reduction, currently working as the Client Services Director at Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform. 

Jill Martin Diaz – Martin Diaz is a practicing attorney and the Executive Director of the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project. 

Kathrynn Titus – Titus is the Operations Director for Cathedral Square.  

Kathy Fox – Professor Fox has years of experience as an educator and researcher focused on criminal justice reform. Fox recently retired from the University of Vermont where she co-created the Justice Research Initiative. 

Melo Grant – Councilor Grant represents Burlington’s Downtown and Old North End. Grant formerly served as Burlington Police Commissioner and as a member of the special committee to review policing policies.  

Michael Monte – Monte is the CEO of Champlain Housing Trust, and a former Director of Burlington Community and Economic Development Office.  

Mikey Van Gulden – Van Gulden is the owner of Chocolate Thunder Security.  

Nathan Virag – Virag is an immigration attorney at the Association for Africans Living in Vermont (AALV). 

Paul Decelles – Decelles is a former Burlington City Councilor and currently works with the Howard Center Street Outreach Team.  

Peter Hiskes – Hiskes is the Senior Director of Retail Sales at Outdoor Gear Exchange. 

Selene Colburn – Colburn is a former Vermont State Representative, and currently serves as the Co-Director of the Vermont Council on Domestic Violence. 

Shabnam Nolan – Nolan is the Executive Director of the King Street Youth Center. 

Steve Murray – Murray is the Executive Director of Burlington Housing Authority. 

Dr. Tess Morrison – Dr. Morrison is a resident at the University of Vermont Medical Center and a member of CIR/SEIU, a national labor union representing Interns and Residents. 

Tim Doherty – Doherty represents Burlington’s East District and brings experience as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont.  

Victor Prussack – Prussack is the Engagement Director for the Burlington School District.  

The team of Community Safety Advisors will also include two Burlington High School students. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

May 14, 2024 

 Burlington City Leaders Outline Solutions to Close  

FY25 Budget Gap 

Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak on track to deliver balanced budget while also making intentional investments to improve community safety. 

Burlington, Vt – Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and Chief Administrative Officer Katherine Schad held a press conference today to outline the City’s progress in creating a balanced budget. The administration has successfully closed the $13 million budget gap, which was announced on April 24. 

Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak shared the following statement on Tuesday morning:  

“We set out with the goal of creating a budget that prioritized affordability for residents and sustainability of City operations.  

“We did this fairly, asking both residential taxpayers and the business community to contribute to closing the gap and undertaking a comprehensive review of general fund expenses to identify areas for right-sizing.  

 “I am grateful for the collaborative engagement of Department Heads, Union leaders, and my community budget advisors, who leaned in to generate creative solutions. 

“Together, we identified additional revenue and cost savings that will allow us to close this budget gap, while also making strategic investments to improve community safety in the coming fiscal year.” 

The Mayor and CAO presented a range of solutions, including modest increases in taxes, planned savings from positions that will remain vacant in FY25, and increases in fees for some City programs. The presentation from today’s press conference can be found here. 

1) Reducing expenditures to begin to right size our budget, largely through vacancy savings for FY25 

2) Repurposing ARPA funds 

3) Increasing fees to be more in line with providing services 

4) Increasing taxes in a fair way across multiple sectors 

5) Increasing revenue in other creative ways 

The expected recommendations from the Operational Efficiency Study will not be reflected in the FY25 budget. However, those recommendations will be helpful in the coming months as the City plans for future fiscal years.    

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Burlington, VT - Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Chief Administrative Officer Katherine Schad, and city department heads recently held a press conference to discuss the FY25 budget. The estimated deficit has increased from $9M to approximately $13M. The city is committed to delivering an affordable, sustainable budget that meets the city’s needs. 

Efforts to close the gap include identifying efficiencies, adjusting staffing figures to reflect current hiring challenges, and reviewing programs created with one-time funds. 

The Mayor emphasized a commitment to transparency with City staff, union leaders, City Councilors, and Burlington residents as FY25 budget planning continues. “One of my commitments to the residents of the city during my campaign and now as mayor is transparency,” said Mulvaney-Stanak. “I am also commited to transparency with city employees, city unions, and my city council colleagues,” she continued. 

Deficit Details: 

• Revenue Shortfall: Actual revenue is $4M less than projected in the FY24 budget due to the use of one-time funds. 

• Increased Personnel Costs: Initially estimated at $3.4M in December 2023, after more detailed analysis, the increase in personnel costs is now expected to be $7M in FY25. This number reflects current estimates related to salary growth and increased expenses for benefits, including health insurance, retirement, life insurance, and workers’ compensation. 

• Increased Operational Costs: Anticipated to rise by $2.1M, mainly due to overtime, training, and equipment needs in the Police and Fire Departments. 

Preliminary Ideas to help close the Gap: 

• Operational Assessment Study: Expected in May, this study will identify efficiencies and cost savings. 

• User Fee Study: Due in late April, this study will ensure user fees are in line with market rates and accurately account for service costs. Fees may increase next fiscal year to raise revenue while still maintaining affordability and equity. 

• Increasing Revenue: The tax dedicated to retirement funding will be triggered as required by charter to cover FY25 increases. The public safety tax approved on Town Meeting Day will be used as necessary.  

• Reallocating Resources: Prioritization of critical projects and programs, potential wind-down of certain programs, and reallocation of ARPA and other federal one-time dollars to maintain general fund services. 

Next Steps: 

• Department Head Budget Review: Department heads have been asked to review budgets and provide recommendations for FY25. 

• Community Advisors: A group of six advisors will continue to meet over the next few weeks to advise on additional budget solutions. 

• Board of Finance Update: The Board of Finance will receive a budget update at the Monday, April 29, 2024 meeting. Department-level budget presentations will begin in mid-May.   

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More about the Mayor’s Budget Advisors can be found here.  

See attached the FY25 Budget slides presented at this afternoon’s press conference 

This group brings decades of experience in municipal governance and budgeting, as well as understanding of community needs and priorities. 

Burlington, Vt – Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, today announced the group of community partners who will advise the administration throughout the FY25 budget planning process. The Mayor’s Community Advisory Team will provide input on the City’s FY25 budget by offering expertise, analysis, and recommendations that help ensure the budget aligns with the City’s priorities and financial requirements. The team will play a supportive role to City staff and the Mayor, who will retain final decision-making power. 

The Mayor’s Budget advisors include:  

Peter Clavelle. Clavelle served as Mayor of Burlington from 1989-93 and 1995-06.  

Sharon Bushor. Bushor served on the Burlington City Council for more than three decades. 

David Tabaruka. Tabaruka is an accountant with experience in operational finance. He is also a member of the board of directors for both The Vermont Professionals of Color Network, and the Vermont Futures Project.  

Steph Yu. Yu is the President and Executive Director of Public Assets Institute. She brings years of experience as a public sector fiscal analyst and private sector financial analyst.  

Nate Lavery. Lavery serves as the Executive Director of Finance for the Burlington School District. 

Solveig Overby. Overby is a longtime Burlington resident. She brings experience as an attorney and a former Burlington Public Works Commissioner.   

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Incoming Chief of Staff, Communications Director, and Administrative Assistant bring years of experience in local and state politics and government.

Burlington, Vt. – Mayor-elect Emma Mulvaney-Stanak today named the three people who will assume key roles as she begins her first term as Mayor of Burlington.

Erin Jacobsen, Chief of Staff. Jacobsen most recently served as a Senior Assistant Attorney General and the Co-Director of the Community Justice Unit at the Vermont Attorney General’s Office. She has previously served on the faculty of Vermont Law and Graduate School and directed the school’s poverty law and immigrant rights clinics. Jacobsen is a graduate of Emerge Vermont, a political leadership training organization for Democratic women.

Joe Magee, Communications Director. Magee joins the Mayor’s Office after serving two-and-a-half years on the Burlington City Council representing the Old North End and Downtown. He most recently served as an outreach and communications advisor for Mulvaney-Stanak’s mayoral bid. Prior to joining the campaign, Magee worked as an event logistics consultant, and as a National Advance Manager for Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, producing nationally-televised campaign events 

Emma Allen, Administrative Assistant. Allen has served in this role for the  Weinberger administration since July 2023. She brings prior experience with constituent engagement and administrative support, having served in the offices of Senator Peter Welch and former Senator Patrick Leahy.

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Media Contact:
Joe Magee
jmagee@burlingtonvt.gov
(802) 829-5289

New Terminal Building Leads the Way in Sustainability and Efficiency and Improves Traveler Experience; Funded by $34 million FAA Grant Directed by Senator Leahy 

Burlington, VT - Yesterday, Mayor Miro Weinberger and Aviation Director Nic Longo unveiled the City’s plans for a new terminal building “Project NexT” to replace the north concourse, the latest and largest sustainable infrastructure project at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. The new design will enhance operational efficiency while improving the traveler experience and will set the stage for future growth at the airport. Present at the announcement was Senator Patrick Leahy, who directed $34 million in FAA funds to execute the project.  

“Of all Burlington’s stories of recovery and investment over the past 12 years, none has been more dramatic than the Airport. On the day I came into office, it was one of just two junk-bond rated airports in the country and was courting disaster with less than one month's cash on hand,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “Today, Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport is one of the busiest airports in New England and is one of the great economic engines of the region – contributing close to half-a-billion dollars to the local economy every year. The plans we have unveiled for the new terminal will bring LeahyBTV into the future and create a stronger, busier, greener airport for hundreds of thousands of Vermonters and visitors to enjoy for years to come.” 

Project NexT has been on the Airport’s planning and development Master Plan for close to a decade. As Leahy BTV has adapted to new aviation technologies and traveler demands, Project NexT is the natural next step in the transformation of the Airport. The terminal building will be transformed to become linear and interconnected to enhance operational efficiency and safety. For travelers, improved amenities will be offered, inclusive of new vendor space, gate areas, and jet bridges. For airport partners, airline storage and baggage claim space will be re-designed to meet current equipment needs.  

“A vibrant Burlington airport is an important component to the economic vitality of Vermont,” said Senator Leahy. “Not only is it a gateway for visitors to our state that support our food and hospitality industries but access to air travel is important for Vermonters and Vermont businesses.” 

Funding to execute Project NexT is anticipated from the FAA through the typical Airport Improvement Program (AIP) process, with the funds coming with Senator Leahy’s support in the FY23 Congressional Directed Spending Bill. The appropriation provides 90% funding once the project is bid and the grant offer is received. The Mayor will bring the bid and grant acceptance for Council Approval at the final council meeting on March 25. The 10% local share will be supplemented with Passenger Facility Charges (PFC).  

“As can be seen in the completed Terminal Integration Project and recent efforts like EV fleet upgrades and our new renewable energy pilot, Leahy BTV is commitment to carbon-neutrality. This commitment to a cleaner and brighter future for the airport and our community will continue with Project NexT,” said Nic Longo, Director of Aviation, Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. “Today’s announcement is a significant milestone in achieving our long-term sustainability, operational, and safety goals, which we are actively work towards everyday. We hope that by pushing the boundaries of what's possible and leading by example, we are shaping a greener future for Airports across the country.” 

In line with the forward-thinking vision and mission at Leahy BTV, sustainability lies at the core of this new development. The design incorporates a myriad of elements aimed at minimizing environmental impact, reducing reliance on natural gas, and harnessing renewable energy sources for electricity generation. Sustainability and efficiency efforts in the design and construction of Project NexT include: 

• Net-Zero Energy: By harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal power, the new building will reduce the environmental impact of airport operations by producing as much energy as it consumes with geothermal and solar technology. 

• Smart Infrastructure: Through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, Project NexT is optimizing efficiency. Smart sensors, data analytics, and AI-driven systems enable us to monitor energy and water usage, optimize traffic flow, and minimize waste. 

• Circular Economy Initiatives: Embracing the principles of the circular economy, Project NexT is implementing innovative strategies to minimize waste and maximize resources. From recycled building materials to closed-loop water systems, we are reimagining the way we design, build, and operate out Airport. 

This ambitious project is not just about accommodating larger aircraft and boosting passenger capacity; it's about ushering Leahy BTV into the future with modern amenities tailored to meet the demands of the next generation of travelers. The new design will support the growth of the airport and improve the traveler experience by: 

• Replacing the North Concourse, adding approximately 25,000 SF of new gross floor area on the second level; four (4) new aircraft gate replacements; four (4) new passenger boarding bridge replacements, and new space for passenger circulation; 

• Adding a third floor dedicated to office space, catering to airport administration needs, alongside a versatile public event and observation area. This space will boast both indoor event facilities and outdoor patio areas, offering a dynamic experience for visitors, guests, and events; 

• Shifting the new north concourse, the terminal expansion will be located 150'+ farther from Taxiway Alpha, thus improving airfield safety; 

• Expanding interior space designed according to FAA standards and provide room for passenger quantities and future forecast, which currently does not exist, for all of the aircraft sizes that use Leahy BTV. 

For more information about Project NexT and sustainability initiatives at Leahy BTV, please visit www.btv.aero/about-btv/sustainability.  

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Fossil Fuel Use in the Building Sector Down 19 percent with more than 2,300 heat pumps installed since 2018; New Electrification Incentives and Programs will Save Burlingtonians Money

Burlington, VT - Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger and Burlington Electric Department (BED) shared Burlington’s Net Zero Energy (NZE) Roadmap update for 2023 and announced exciting new programs and incentives to accelerate electrification. The update shows a significant overall decline of 18.2 percent in greenhouse gas emissions in the ground transportation and thermal sectors from 2018 to 2023, marking the second largest year-over-year drop in that period. The greatest change was in the building sector, with a 19 percent reduction in fossil fuel use since 2018.

“It has been five years since we announced the most ambitious climate policy of any City in America, our Net Zero Energy Road Map. Today’s report demonstrates that with pioneering policy and collective action across the community we can end our reliance on fossil fuels and save Vermont families and businesses money at the same time,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “This proves that that real climate progress is achievable for our City and State, and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts that the programs we are announcing today will have for Burlington in the future.”

While in 2022 the City saw some post-pandemic rebound in fossil fuel use in buildings, the 2023 update marks a continuation of the broader trend toward emissions reduction. Natural gas consumption (not weather normalized) in 2023 was at its lowest point since NZE Roadmap tracking began with 2018 baseline data. Importantly, this update analyzes emissions through the end of 2023, and does not include impacts from Burlington’s recently enacted Carbon Pollution Impact Fee Ordinance or anticipated Vermont State rebates from the Inflation Reduction Act, which will drive further reductions in fossil fuel use.

“The Burlington Electric team is excited about the progress our City is making on our ambitious Net Zero Energy Roadmap goals, including the more than 18 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in buildings and ground transportation between 2018 and 2023,” said Darren Springer, General Manager of BED. “Some of the most recent actions our City has taken, including the enactment of the Carbon Pollution Impact Fee Ordinance, which just took effect in 2024, will help further reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years. With more work necessary to accelerate progress toward our climate goals, today we are announcing a number of new programs and incentives, including the first-in-the-nation utility ‘superuser’ incentive to help reduce gasoline consumption among drivers who put the most miles on their vehicles. We also are pleased to announce the Switch and Save program to help income-qualified customers switch from fossil fuel to heat pump water heaters, and the new heat pump bill credit pilot program to help customers save money on operating a heat pump, while enabling peak energy use reductions that benefit all customers.”

Decline in Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ground Transportation and Thermal Sectors

Greenhouse gas emissions in the ground transportation and thermal sectors declined 18.2 percent in total, to 175,410 metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023 compared to 214,568 metric tons in 2018. Natural Gas consumption in the building sector is down 19 percent while emissions from transportation remain below Roadmap targets, while new housing production is up 400% in Burlington since 2012.

The reductions in fossil fuel consumption can be attributed, in part, to the growing suite Net Zero Energy incentives offered by BED. Burlington has made significant progress on installing heat pumps, with over 2,300 installed in the City since the launch of the NZE Roadmap in September 2019, and a 25x participation increase in BED’s Tier 3 heat pump rebate program, which largely serves residential customers. Since launching its EV rebate program in 2017, BED has helped 721 Burlingtonians switch to electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, with over 20 percent of the rebates going to income-qualified customers. The Roadmap update shows there were 829 electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles registered in Burlington as of the end of 2023.

Mayor Weinberger and BED announced significant set of new incentives and programs to accelerate progress toward Net Zero Energy during 2024 and beyond. New actions targeted at reducing emissions from the transportation sector include the new Super User Incentives, as well as improved electric bike, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and electric bus rebates. Two new programs, Switch and Save and a Heat Pump Bill Credit Pilot, are aimed at reducing thermal sector emissions in the future.

Superuser Incentive, E-Bike, EV Charging, and E-Bus Rebates

In 2023, BED specifically was authorized by the Vermont Legislature in Act 44 to develop a new, first-of-its-kind utility incentive to help drivers who drive the most miles switch to EVs and reduce their carbon footprint while saving on fuel costs. BED now is launching its “superuser” incentive, which provides up to $500 in rebates for qualified customers in addition to BED’s existing EV incentives, which now are up to $3,000. “Superuser” program rebates will provide an additional $250 for drivers who travel 17,700 miles annually (approximately double the Burlington average), and $500 for drivers who travel 25,300 miles annually (approximately triple the Burlington average).

The updated 2024 BED rebates also include:

• Increased E-bike rebate from $200 to $300;
• Increased workplace/retail Level 2 EV charger rebate from $2,000 to $2,500;
• New Level 2 EV charger rebate for workplace/retail locations in Justice40 locations of $3,250 (the Federal government has made it a goal that 40 percent of overall benefits, including certain climate and clean energy investments, flow to disadvantaged communities);
• Increased workplace Level 3 EV fast charger rebate from $10,000 to $15,000;
• Ride-share and delivery driver rebates for switching to an EV, ranging from $250 to $500; and
• Expected rebates for additional E-buses to support electric public transit.

"The data is clear that helping Vermonters who must drive the most get into EVs is an essential component of easing energy burdens and cutting carbon pollution as much as possible," said Ben Edgerly Walsh, climate and energy program director with VPIRG. "The kinds of incentives Burlington is rolling out today should be available in every corner of the country - certainly in every corner of Vermont - and we deeply appreciate Burlington's willingness to do more for its residents and the climate without waiting for others to go first."

“We applaud Mayor Weinberger, GM Darren Springer, and the team at Burlington Electric for adopting an incentive plan to help gasoline-burdened drivers who use more gasoline make the switch to EVs,” said Rob Sargent, Coltura Policy Director. “Electric utilities play a critical role in the shift away from fossil fuels used for transportation. We’re confident this first in the nation “Superuser” policy will be replicated across the country.”

Switch and Save Program

The Switch and Save program will help income-qualified customers switch from a fossil fuel or a less efficient electric water heater to a new heat pump water heater, saving money and reducing energy use. BED is working with affordable housing providers, including Champlain Housing Trust (CHT), to implement the program. Initially, BED will receive $400,000 from the state to support implementation, with potential for additional funds in the future. BED expects to help between 75 and 125 residential, income-qualified customers make the switch. Low-income households will receive 100 percent up to $5,000 of the installed costs of a new heat pump water heater, and moderate-income households will receive 90 percent up to $4,500. The statewide Switch and Save program is being administered by Efficiency Vermont.

Amy Demetrowitz, CHT Chief Operating Officer, said: “Champlain Housing Trust is always looking for ways to engage in programs that improve equity, and initiatives like Switch and Save exemplify our commitment to ensuring that all members of our community have access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions.”

“This technology is one of the best ways Vermonters can switch to a more efficient system for their home’s hot water needs,” said Peter Walke, Managing Director of Efficiency Vermont. “As this enhanced heat pump water heater offer becomes widely available in the coming weeks, more Vermonters will be able to consider this efficient and climate-friendly equipment.”

Heat Pump Bill Credit Pilot Program

BED was selected under the federal Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) competitive grant program for more than $1 million in funds that could support the heat pump bill credit pilot program device procurement, and other demand response initiatives, pending completion of necessary grant agreements and approvals.

The proposed program would create a new heat pump bill credit pilot program to provide participating customers with ductless mini-split heat pumps, which presents an opportunity to save on costs while helping BED reduce peak energy use.

New Public EV Chargers

A new Level 3 public fast charger soon will be available at the City’s Marketplace Garage, marking the second installation of a modern fast charger under BED’s Net Zero Energy Revenue Bond (the first is located at BED’s 585 Pine Street offices). Pending consideration by the Public Works Commission, BED plans to utilize a state grant to support installation of five new pole-mounted Level 2 EV chargers that can serve on-street parking spaces in areas of the City.

Five Years of Net Zero Energy Progress

With September 2024 marking the five-year anniversary of the launch of the Net Zero Energy Roadmap, the Mayor and BED also highlighted key actions and initiatives that have been adopted in Burlington with City Council and community support, including:

• Enacting rental weatherization standards;
• Enacting the primary renewable heating ordinance in 2021;
• Passing a Charter Change to provide Burlington unique municipal authority to take actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in buildings;
• Enacting a first-of-its-kind in Vermont Carbon Impact Pollution Fee Ordinance for new construction and large existing buildings, making Burlington of the first city of its size and in a cold climate to enact a carbon fee;
• Electrifying the City vehicle fleet, including new vehicles, trucks, lawn equipment, and BED’s first-in-Vermont electric bucket truck for its line crew;
• Implementing and improving dozens of consumer incentive programs for electrification across all modes of transportation and for buildings;
• Partnering with VHFA to offer on-bill financing for income-qualified residents and renters to invest in weatherization and heat pumps;
• Developing the first-of-its-kind Net Zero Energy Revenue Bond, with investment in new modern EV fast chargers, grid infrastructure, and technology systems to enable innovative rate and program design;
• Partnering with CarShare Vermont to support more CarShare EVs and PHEVs, as well as charging parking spaces;
• Implementing the BED Energy Assistance Program to provide a 12.5 percent electric bill discount to income-qualified customers;
• Establishing BED’s EV rate, which provides residential customers the opportunity to charge EVs off-peak for the equivalent of approximately 75 cents per gallon of gasoline; and
• Working on the District Energy System that will improve efficiency at the McNeil Generating Station and reduce reliance on natural gas in the commercial sector by approximately 16 percent in Burlington.

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