Latest News
Feb 8
Overhead, or Underground: the Ongoing Balancing Act
“Why don’t you bury utility lines more often than you already do?” That’s a question we often get from VEC members, particularly after an outage event like the storm over Christmas 2022. The answer is not as straightforward as it might seem. VEC does have an ongoing priority of strategically undergrounding or relocating line away from more forested areas where it makes sense and is practical. While undergrounding lines is not always possible due to ledge rock or other obstacles and other factors, it is explored during the design phase of many projects.
Jan 25
VEC Community Fund Donation Boosts Effort to Warm More Vermonters
Johnson, Vt - Eric Axelrod of Jericho says it will be a “game changer.” He’s talking about a new commercial grade log splitter that his non-profit, Wood4Good, is raising money to buy. The machine will be able to split bucked wood into 12 pieces per pass, not the more common two or four. This new machine, supported in part by a recent $1,000 grant from the Vermont Electric Co-op’s Community Fund, will greatly increase production capacity, allowing Wood4Good to provide far more free firewood to Vermonters in need than it has to date.
Jan 16
VEC Seeking Candidates for Board of Directors
Johnson, Vt – Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC) is seeking petitions from eligible candidates for three board of directors’ seats that are up for election in May. “VEC board members have a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds, care deeply about the community, and enjoy learning about and influencing energy issues,” said Rebecca Towne, VEC’s chief executive officer. “If this describes you – and you have a passion for safe, reliable and affordable electricity, then consider running for the VEC board this year.”
Jan 10
VEC Offering New Incentives
Johnson, VT – Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC) has recently added two new incentives to make it more affordable for members to move to electric powered devices for their energy needs in their homes and businesses. A new program for no-cost Level II electric vehicle chargers was launched January 1, and last year the co-op added induction cooktops to the list of incentives that qualify for a bill credit.
Dec 28
Storm Elliott Updates
Winter Storm Elliott has left its mark as a storm we will never forget. It has been a long haul for six days – for our members who endured long outages amid cold weather – for our team who has been working long hours in tough conditions to restore power. We appreciate our members who were patient, kind and supportive even as they were dealing with their own challenges. Through it all we have been inspired and humbled by the teamwork, care for community, practicality and work ethic on constant display.
Dec 21
VEC Urging Members to Prepare for Wind and Ice with Potential for Extended Power Outages
Johnson, VT – Vermont Electric Co-op is urging members to preparing for extended power outages later this week as very high winds, followed by dangerous icing, are in the forecast. The National Weather Service office in Burlington is calling for wind gusts well in excess of 60 mph for much of the Green Mountain State starting late Thursday night into Friday evening. Winds are expected to take down trees and powerlines causing widespread and numerous power outages. Compounding the challenge will be flooding caused by heavy rain and snowmelt, followed by rapidly dropping temperatures Friday night into Saturday creating icy conditions as the storm passes.
Dec 5
Weathering Power Outages: Tips from Vermont Electric Co-op
Johnson, Vt - Storms, vehicle collisions with utility poles – and even animals getting caught in electric equipment - can knock out electricity from time to time, despite VEC’s ongoing efforts to minimize power interruptions. As we enter the winter season it’s especially important to be sure you and your family are prepared. There’s no time like the present to build or restock your household emergency kit and gear. Here’s a list of items to have easily at hand in case of a power outage:
Nov 15
Vermont Electric Cooperative Files 2023 Rate Request
Johnson, Vt – On November 15, 2022 Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) filed a request for an 8.19 percent rate increase to apply to VEC member bills in the new year. The primary driver for the increase request is the significant upward pressure on the cost of wholesale power, primarily driven by the worldwide shortage of natural gas. Since sixty percent of VEC’s operating budget is spent on power supply and the transmission system to deliver it, and because we are a small part of a regional grid and worldwide market, it is challenging to mitigate these increases. VEC’s 2023 power supply cost is projected to increase by $4.8 million over 2022.
Nov 7
Mount Mansfield Villages Recent Beneficiary of Growing VEC Community Fund
Johnson, Vt – Way back in 2014, a handful of staff and board members at the Vermont Electric Co-op launched the VEC Community Fund. The idea was to create a way for VEC members, if they so desired, to support non-profit organizations in the VEC region. In early 2015 with $646 in hand, the fund made its first two awards: one to Capstone Community Action and another to the Johnson Historical Society.
Sep 18
VEC to Hold “Open House/Open Hoods” Event Sept 27
Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) in inviting members to swing by our new facility in Newport for tours, food, and to check out a range of electric vehicles on display at our “Open House/Open Hoods event Tuesday, Sept 27 between 3-6 pm. The event will be held at 334 Citizens Road – halfway between Pine Hill Road and VT Route 191.