Residents in the Northeast Kingdom, on average, bear a higher energy burden

A recent report from Efficiency Vermont shows residents in the Northeast Kingdom, on average, bear a higher energy burden than the rest of the state. The 2023 Vermont Energy Burden Report, the third such report issued by Efficiency Vermont, says NEK residents spend a greater percentage of their household income on transportation, electricity and heating fuel than the rest of the state. The cause is more a reflection of the NEK having lower income levels and not necessarily higher energy use than the rest of the state, however, the report’s authors hope the data will help guide future programs and policies to better address the energy burden inequity. According to the report, spending across towns ranged from over $8,000 annually to less than $4,000. Transportation accounts for the largest share of energy spending, at about 45%, followed by heat at 35% and electricity at 20%.