Latest News
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.
Jan 22
This Year, Choose More Convenience
VEC offers a couple of ways to simplify your life by “going digital” - paying bills and getting VEC news via email, for instance. If you haven’t already signed up for these options, now might be a good time because we’re spicing things up a bit with a drawing for a $50 credit on your electric bill!
Jan 21
Now a Decade Old, VEC's Community Fund Keeps Cranking out the Grants
Ten years in, the generosity of VEC members who support the VEC Community ?Fund continues to shine. “Concern for Community is one of the seven co-operative principles that ?guide all co-ops, and this successful fund is a wonderful example,” said Ed Peterson, ?the chair of the Community Fund Allocation Committee.
Jan 21
Lineworkers Johnny Martinez and Chris Rodger on the Rewards and Challenges of Their Work
Johnny Martinez confesses that many days he gets up an hour earlier than he has to because he’s so primed to get to work. “I love coming into the shop, every day, seeing the guys, and heading out to take care of our members.” Johnny, who has been with VEC since 2022, hails from Texas. His family goes way back there, even before Texas was a state. He started his career at a municipal utility in Lubbock. He then spent a few years working for a helicopter contractor doing work on big transmission lines all across the northeast. He’d be flown up on a chopper and be dropped onto transmission lines (or balance on a platform that’s fixed to the helicopter) to do equipment upgrades. “There is nothing like it,” he said with a smile.
Jan 21
Board of Directors Member Paul Lambert on Serving: The Rewards, the Challenges, and VEC’s Focus on Members
Paul Lambert of Georgia (pictured above with is daughters at the 2019 VEC Annual Meeting) has served on the VEC Board of directors since 2017. He represents District 6, which comprises the towns of Berkshire, Enosburg, Franklin, Georgia, Highgate, Montgomery, Richford, Sheldon, St. Albans Town, and Swanton. Below, he reflects on what it means to serve.
Jan 15
VEC Seeking Candidates for Board of Directors
Are you interested in making a direct contribution to a bright energy future for our region? Vermont Electric Co-op is accepting petitions from eligible candidates for four board of directors’ seats that are up for election in May.
Jan 13
VEC’s Got Energy Transformation Incentives for 2025
Have you checked out Vermont Electric Co-op’s incentives recently? These incentives, which come in the form of one-time bill credits for VEC members, are designed make the purchase of electricity-powered equipment more affordable. The program also benefits the entire co-op membership over time because the incentives pay for themselves through additional electric sales for the co-op overall.
Nov 20
Ford F150 Lightnings: Putting them Through the Paces Across VEC Territory
Last year VEC purchased four all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup trucks to join our fleet. Three of those trucks have been deployed to VEC Utility Designers who work with members to get power to their properties, upgrade service, and more.