From the Times Argus – Capitol Beat
How old is Vermont’s aging housing stock? While we know it’s a long time, we can safely say “at least 50 years.”
The Vermont Department for Children and Families honored the 50th anniversary of the Weatherization Assistance Program on Friday.
The Weatherization Assistance Program began in 1976 in response to the energy crisis of the 1970s. Since then, it has helped millions of low-income households lower their energy bills, make their homes safer and more comfortable, and support local economies. In Vermont alone, the program served 1,310 households during state fiscal year 2025, saving each household an average of $853 per year on heating costs, according to a news release.
“The Weatherization Assistance Program is an incredible success story,” said Sandi Hoffman, commissioner of the Department for Children and Families. “High heating costs are especially hard on low-income families. Weatherization helps them save money while making their homes safer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient. It also allows families to repair or replace old, inefficient, or unsafe heating systems.”
Weatherization services include more than just repairing or replacing heating systems. They also include air sealing, insulation, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, better ventilation, energy audits, and other health and safety improvements. Because Vermont has many older homes, the program also removes and replaces vermiculite insulation that may contain asbestos.
“I’m excited to see what the future holds for Weatherization,” said Lily Sojourner, director of DCF’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “There is so much room for growth in this field. Weatherization technology keeps improving, and the interest in the VIEW center shows that more people want careers in weatherization. The program has come a long way over the past 50 years.”
According to the news release, as the Weatherization Assistance Program looks ahead to the next 50 years, it celebrates a long history of helping Vermonters save energy, lower costs, improve their homes, and strengthen local communities.
To learn more about Vermont’s Weatherization Assistance Program, visit dcf.vermont.gov/oeo/programs/wap.
