Vermont, which already leads the nation in energy efficiency, is the site of a new effort to save fuel, lower heating bills and create green jobs. Sen. Bernie Sanders went to Rutland County, Vt., to help NeighborWorks kick off a countywide competition. Rewards of $10,000 will go to towns that show the greatest percentage of home energy improvements and the highest average energy savings per home. The challenge is part of a larger effort to conduct energy upgrades at 1,000 home throughout Rutland County and save homeowners more than $1,000 on average in their annual energy costs. Funding for the program came through an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant created by legislation Sanders sponsored.

"I am very proud that in the state of Vermont we are leading the nation in terms of energy efficiency," Sanders said.  Hundreds of homes already have been weatherized with improved insulation and other measures that substantially reduces how much fuel is needed to keep homes warm in the winter.

The town energy competition in Rutland County could serve as a national model. In addition to weatherizing homes, schools, libraries, and municipal buildings will be made more efficient through weatherization projects. And local jobs will be created.

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