Latest News
Nov 27
Some VEC Outages May Extend into Tomorrow – Plan Accordingly
For Immediate Release: November 27, 2023 – 4:30 pm Contact Jake Brown, 802-730-0414 or [email protected] Johnson, VT – Some Vermont Electric Co-op members may…
Nov 16
VEC Control Center: On for Members 24/7/365
VEC’s Control Center is the hub of all of the co-op’s system operations. The center, which can be operated from VEC headquarters in Johnson or its Newport facility, runs all day every day to assure smooth delivery of electricity all the way from power sources through transmission and distribution networks to members’ homes and businesses. Scott Rockwood, Chief System Operator, took a few questions recently about the Control Center and the System Operators (including Melanie Messier, in photo) who run it.
Nov 15
VEC Files Rate Request
On November 14, 2023, VEC filed with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) a request for an 8.76 percent rate increase effective Jan. 1, 2024. We appreciate that this is not welcome news at a challenging time for many members. VEC has done our best to keep the rate request as low as possible while continuing to ensure we accomplish our core job of providing safe, reliable, and clean electricity to our communities.
Nov 9
VEC Webinar: An Info-Packed Hour on Reliability, Clean Energy, EVs, Cybersecurity and More
VEC’s CEO Rebecca Towne and Innovation and Technology Leader Cyril Brunner tackled a range of subjects on VEC’s recent live webinar entitled VEC and the Modern Electric Grid: What You Need to Know. The questions from members and other stakeholders who joined focused on power supply, system resilience, flexible load, and the future of the grid and more. (See below for a sampling of questions and hints at answers.) The full recording that includes all the details can be found here.
Oct 19
Four Steps to Stronger Cybersecurity
Hi! Belinda Gunnell, VEC's Innovation and Technology Coach here. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Here's a quick reminder of four simple but important cybersecurity practices that can help keep you, and your household, more cyber-secure.
Sep 26
Food Pantry Run by Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi Receives Grant from VEC Community Fund
Generous members of the Vermont Electric Co-op who have chosen to support the VEC Community Fund continue to direct thousands of dollars a year into local non-profits in our region. One of the recent Community Fund awards went to the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi Food Pantry in Swanton. The $1,000 donation will help the food pantry purchase cereal as well as fresh fruits and vegetables for the roughly 500 clients the food pantry serves per month.
Jul 13
Power Outages Likely Today as Storms Approach
Johnson, VT – Forecasters are calling for dangerous weather across Vermont Electric Co-op territory this afternoon, with power outages likely. Saturated ground will make trees more likely to be uprooted by wind gusts, that could approach 30-40 mph locally. Also predicted are thunderstorms, possible hail, and the chance of a tornado touchdown. The storms are expected to arrive mid-afternoon.
Jun 8
A Little Something for Everyone at VEC’s Annual Meeting
A lively and engaged crowd joined VEC on May 13 at Jay Peak Resort for the co-op’s Annual Meeting. Topics included: Vegetation management and its direct relationship to reliability, which is growing ever more important with more people working from home, and more people using electric technologies like heat pumps and electric vehicles. Transformation of the energy system from fossil fuels to electricity to reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants, and assuring that all Vermonters can take advantage of the modernization of the energy system. Cybersecurity, including VEC’s constant vigilance, in partnership with other utilities, of risks to the system and the co-op’s commitment to educating members about cybersecurity.
May 2
“Your Co-op, Your Community” Theme of VEC's 2023 Annual Meeting
Johnson, VT- Briefings on energy innovation, cybersecurity, and power reliability will be among the highlights of VEC’s 2023 Annual Meeting taking place May 13 at Jay Peak Resort. Members who attend will enjoy a complimentary breakfast and giveaways. They’ll also have the chance to win great prizes, including a cordless chainsaw courtesy of the Pick & Shovel in Newport, gift cards and certificates to local and national chain stores, and more.
Apr 25
Member Spotlight: Heating Pellet Venture Launched in Richford
Josh Gervais was in the trucking business. Matt Gregoire was in the logging business. In conversations a couple of years ago, the two Enosburg residents struck on an idea: was there a need for a wood pellet mill in the Richford area to provide locally-sourced, high quality heating fuel for the area? They decided the answer was “yes.”