One of the easiest ways that Vermonters can reduce the use of fossil fuels and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is by switching to battery-electric lawn mowers and yard tools. This is important because Vermonters do a LOT of mowing and yard work.
To help Vermonters make this switch, all of Vermont’s electric companies and co-ops offer rebates on residential WALK-BEHIND E-mowers and E-yard tools (e.g. string trimmers, leaf blowers, chain saws, etc.), and these rebates can reduce the retail price by 20% to 25% (or more).
In particular, gas-powered RESIDENTIAL/LIGHT DUTY RIDING mowers (aka “lawn tractors”) can consume as much as 40 to 60 gallons of fuel annually.
As shown on the Explore Equipment page of the Mow Electric! website, there are now nine brands of residential E-riding mowers, including EGO, Cub Cadet, Ryobi, Greenworks, DR Power Equipment, Mean Green, and Hustler.
However, since only two Vermont utilities - GMP and Burlington Electric Department - currently offer rebates for these residential E-riding mowers, and these rebates are only $100 and $200 respectively, the Mow Electric! Campaign is collaborating with VEIC to collect the Vermont-specific data needed to determine if these rebate values could be increased to more accurately reflect their potential to reduce GHG emissions, and to help other Vermont utilities create these rebates.
If you use a riding mower, please complete and submit this short Google Survey by Tuesday, September 13th. You’re also invited to encourage your neighbors, friends and co-workers who own a rider mower to complete a survey as well.
Thanks for your assistance!
