Geothermal Partnership Brings Clean Energy to Affordable Housing

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 1, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Dandelion Energy and Vermont Gas have announced a groundbreaking partnership that aims to bring high-efficiency, renewable geothermal heating and cooling to the Riggs Meadow affordable housing development in Hinesburg, Vermont. The project marks a significant step forward in the nation's efforts to make clean energy solutions more accessible and affordable for developers and residents alike.

The Riggs Meadow development, a community of 44 townhomes and apartments designed for low- and moderate-income renters and owners, will be the first in the nation to feature geothermal heating and cooling systems provided by a natural gas utility. This innovative partnership between Dandelion Energy and Vermont Gas represents a new model for integrating geothermal technology into affordable housing projects, potentially setting a precedent for future developments.

Dandelion Energy, the nation's leading geothermal heating and cooling provider, will serve as the end-to-end geothermal partner for the Riggs Meadow project. The company's geothermal heating and cooling system captures stable, year-round underground temperatures to provide highly efficient, all-electric comfort, suitable for all seasons, including the coldest winter days in Vermont. This system will offer residents clean heating and cooling options, price stability, and efficient operation, all of which are crucial for affordable housing developments.

The drilling of geothermal boreholes is scheduled to begin early next year, with residents moving into their homes in late 2027. This project not only aligns with Vermont Gas's commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions but also supports Dandelion Energy's mission to make geothermal energy accessible to all homeowners. Since 2017, the company has installed thousands of residential geothermal heat pumps and over 1 million linear feet of ground loops throughout the United States.

The Riggs Meadow project will serve as a national blueprint for integrating geothermal technology into affordable housing, offering a practical and cost-effective solution for developers and builders. By investing in individual ground loops, gas utilities can expand their portfolio to include thermal services, thereby contributing to the decarbonization of housing and the broader energy transition.

As policymakers, developers, and utilities seek cost-effective heating and cooling options, this collaboration showcases the potential for gas utilities to innovate and expand their role in the renewable energy landscape. The Riggs Meadow project represents a significant step forward in making geothermal energy accessible and affordable for all Vermont residents, aligning with the state's commitment to sustainable and equitable energy solutions.