[2] In particular, they focused their early efforts on helping reduce the burden of energy costs for low income consumers.

By 1997, VEIC had implemented energy efficiency measures in nearly 100 low-income multifamily buildings throughout the state of Vermont; it also led a successful effort to establish an ordinance requiring landlords in the city of Burlington to meet a minimum efficiency standard before their buildings could be sold to new owners.

Through a partnership with the Vermont Housing Finance Agency, VEIC also helped to establish financing programs and a home energy rating system to help low-income and first-time homebuyers avoid being burdened with high energy costs.

[12] In February 2012, VEIC, The Clark Group, and Vermont Law School were awarded a $34 million blanket purchase agreement to help the Environmental Protection Agency improve energy efficiency for commercial, institutional, and industrial customers throughout the U.S.[13] At a 2012 U.S. Senate forum on jobs, Scott Johnstone, the executive director of VEIC, reported that the organization continues to grow, despite the economic recession that began in 2008.

It is facilitating the state of Vermont's participation in the Rocky Mountain Institute's “Project Get Ready” program, which is working to prepare for the electrification of the transportation system.