Mar 5
Information re: Tariffs on Energy Imports from Canada
UPDATE: March 7, 2025
We continue to investigate the potential impacts to the cost of electricity of the executive order on tariffs, as well as reports of possible reverse tariffs or embargoes from Canada, neither of which are in place today from Quebec. We expect this to be an evolving situation.
UPDATE: March 4, 2025
You’ve probably seen in the news that the United States has levied tariffs on Canadian imports, including energy sources. Historically, electricity has not been subject to tariffs so we are in uncharted waters. There are a lot of details that we do not yet know from the federal government and these details matter in determining cost impact. For example, the Canadian Import Tariff Executive Order addresses "energy and energy resources" but the referenced underlying definition does not explicitly identify electricity as a component of the 10% tariff. We are watching closely for federal guidance to determine how these tariffs will be applied, at which time we will be able to estimate any financial impacts. We continue to work on mitigation strategies to reduce the financial impact on our members while ensuring we maintain reliable power.? Canada and Hydro-Quebec are important partners and neighbors. Keeping good local ties and a strong working relationship with them is important, even as we navigate tariffs.
At VEC our top priority is providing our 34,000 members with safe, reliable, sustainable and affordable energy. While recent headlines may cause alarm, we are committed to doing our best to mitigate rate impacts and sharing updates as this situation develops.
Feb 26
Winter Can Mean High Bills - Here are Some Energy Saving Tips
Winter often brings higher electricity bills because cold temperatures drive up usage.
(Most of the time, increases are due to actual usage, rather than meter malfunctions.)
Here are some common winter causes of higher usage, and tips for addressing it.
Electric heating/space heaters. Depending on how high it’s set and how long it runs, electric resistance heating systems can use a lot of electricity. Tip: Use thermostats and timers to help keep heat running only when needed. Be sure windows and doors are tightly closed, especially in rooms you don’t use often.
Feb 19
Food a Focus of Recent Vermont Electric Co-op Community Fund Awards
Johnson, VT - Local food shelves across northern Vermont got some solid support recently from the last round of grants awarded by the Vermont Electric Co-op’s Community Fund.
Champlain Islands Food Shelf in Grand Isle, the People’s Farmstand in Burlington, and the town of Starksboro Food Shelf all were awarded funds to help purchase food supplies, and the Heart Full Kitchen food shelf in Montgomery was awarded money to help pay for installation of heat pumps in their new location.