Vermont Gas extending service to Richmond

Richmond resident Marshall Paulsen has worked in the energy industry as a heating and air conditioning expert since 1985. Paulsen's work over the years has helped many people lower their home heating costs and save money using natural gas, but because Richmond didn't have natural gas service he was unable to realize the savings from the low cost fuel. That's about to change.

In September, Richmond will become the latest in communities that Vermont Gas will serve.

"I'm thrilled to see natural gas come to Richmond," said Paulsen, Co-Owner of Vermont Energy Contracting and Supply. "Last year the people in Richmond had significant property damage as a result of hurricane Irene - including flooding damage to their heating systems. Even though Vermont Gas was not in Richmond at the time, they graciously agreed to provide access to incentives for high-efficiency heating systems when they sign up for the service," Paulsen said. "The combination of high efficiency systems coupled with low natural gas prices will save money," Paulsen said.

In the aftermath of Irene, Richmond residents who elected to replace their heating system with a higher-efficiency unit could recover a large portion of the incremental costs as soon as they connected to natural gas service. "Faced with the need for immediate replacement, the access to the Vermont Gas Efficiency Program allowed people to make a smart choice sooner, and immediately replace their system with a high efficiency one rather than settle on a less-efficient one," Paulsen said.

"Natural Gas is a very appealing home heating fuel for consumers because it is cleaner than fuel oil; it is also 40% less expensive than fuel oil and over 50% less than propane," said Tim Lyons, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Vermont Gas. "In the last three communities we have extended service into, new customers are reporting savings and strong customer satisfaction. In addition to lower energy costs, these customers now have access to our very experienced service center as well as our nationally-recognized Energy Efficiency program," Lyons said. As a result, the sign-ups for natural gas in Richmond have exceeded expectations, Lyons advised.

Customer sign-ups and conversions will continue through the fall and beyond. Interested Richmond residents can learn more by calling Vermont Gas at 863-4511 or visiting the company's website at www.vermontgas.com<http://www.vermontgas.com>

Richmond is the fourth new town expansion in five years for Vermont Gas. Hinesburg connected to the system in 2009; Underhill gained service in 2008 and Jericho in 2007. Vermont Gas is also working to extend service into Addison County in 2015. 

Source: Vermont Gas Service 9.13.2012