In the immediate aftermath of this flooding event, Vermont’s distributed energy utilities and energy efficiency utilities convened to conceive and test a program aimed at helping LMI residents recover their critical energy systems in time for reoccupying their homes before winter takes its grip. The challenge was two-fold: how to help Vermonters restore the critically essential needs for heat in a timely manner, and how do we take this opportunity to set residents up for more efficient, economical, and decarbonized solutions for the future.   This presentation will explore the role utilities and energy efficiency programs must now play in the face of extreme weather events driven by climate change.  In times when people are making quick decisions and installing energy equipment that may last up to 20 years (oftentimes on a tight or non-existent budget) it is imperative that the right information and the access to funds be at their fingertips. Program resources need to be identified today. With increasing electrification, the burden of “no heat” in many cases will shift to electric utilities in cases where poles/wires are intact, but equipment is under water. Program design needs to happen right now. With the ever-increasing incidence of floods, fires, and extreme heat and cold events, this industry cannot afford to wait until the next disaster hits.