Rutland family wins $5K energy makeover in video contest

Burlington, VT

April 26, 2018 – Burlington, VT – The competition was fierce between 22 entries, but in the end the first video submitted in an Efficiency Vermont contest emerged as the winner.

Customers were able to upload or share their Instagram or YouTube videos via the contest on Facebook. The public was invited to vote for their favorite and the video that received the most votes on.

The Lorentz Family of Rutland entered the winning video, “We’re frozen! Help us make our home warmer,” receiving over 900 votes. The short video chronicled the shivering of three-year-old twins Calen and Elana. They (James, Erin, and their daughters Calen and Elana) will receive the grand prize: a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® project of up to $5,000 with an Efficiency Excellence Network (EEN) contractor of their choice. They will also receive a free Nest smart thermostat and up to 12 ENERGY STAR® LEDs. 

“We are beyond excited that we won this contest! We were blessed with twins three years ago, but since then haven't been able to afford home improvement projects so we really appreciate this opportunity from Efficiency Vermont.” said Erin. “We wanted to make it fun with the kids! The outpouring of support from friends, family, and many people we’ve never even met was overwhelming! We can't wait to get started!"

“The Lorentz family made a great video featuring their adorable twin daughters,” said Efficiency Vermont Director Karen Glitman. “Calen and Elana definitely stole the show with sweet performances, and we’re excited that their prize will make them more comfortable and help Mom and Dad save money.”

Efficiency Vermont, in partnership with Burlington Electric Department and Vermont Gas Systems, launched a month-long contest in late March challenging customers to submit 60-second videos that showed why their homes needed home energy makeovers. The contest helped increase general customer awareness of the value of air sealing and insulation, especially in cold weather, and the tools available through energy efficiency programs to save money and make homes more comfortable.

Three runners up won free home energy audits with an EEN contractor of their choice, and up to 12 LEDs:

  • Katherine Areson, Williston
  • Nicole Whalen, Worcester
  • Andy Madea, Fayston

 

About Efficiency Vermont

As the nation’s first Energy Efficiency Utility, Efficiency Vermont has helped Vermont avoid over 13.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence award for the last eight consecutive years. Efficiency Vermont works with partners to help our state transition to more affordable, low carbon energy use through education, incentives, and support for our clean energy workforce. Learn more at www.efficiencyvermont.com.

About Burlington Electric Department

Burlington Electric Department has been serving its customers with safe and reliable power since 1905. Burlington Electric is a recognized national leader in energy innovation, having led Burlington to become the first city in the nation to source 100 percent of its power from renewable generation. With a focus on low and stable rates and a commitment to energy efficiency, Burlington Electric’s 20,000 customers use less power today than they did in 1989. For more information about Burlington Electric, visit www.burlingtonelectric.com or call 802.865.7300.

About Vermont Gas

For more information on Vermont Gas’ award-winning efficiency programs, visit www.vermontgas.com.

Efficiency Vermont Press Contact
Matthew Smith
Phone: (802) 540-7662
[email protected]