Latest News
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.
Sep 1
VEC Launches New Incentive for Induction Cooktops
Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is offering a new bill credit for members purchasing induction cooktops. The new incentive, which adds to the list of several other VEC Energy Transformation incentives, is $100 for installed induction cooktops purchased on or after September 1, 2022. (Note that this incentive does not apply to portable induction cooktops.)
Aug 8
VEC Asking Members to Conserve Electricity Today and Tomorrow
Johnson, VT- Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is encouraging members to conserve electricity today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday) from 5-10 pm each evening as high temperatures continue to blanket New England. “When VEC can reduce the cost to buy and transmit electricity when there is peak demand across the regional grid, it helps control electricity rates for all co-op members over the long term,” said Jake Brown, VEC Energy Services Planner.
Aug 3
VEC Asking Members to Trim Electricity Use Tomorrow
Johnson, VT- Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is encouraging members to conserve electricity tomorrow (Thursday) evening as high temperatures roll into New England. Specifically, VEC asks members to conserve electricity from 5-9 pm. “When VEC can reduce the cost to buy and transmit electricity when there is peak demand across the regional grid, it helps control electricity rates for all co-op members over the long term,” said Jake Brown, VEC Energy Services Planner.
Jul 19
VEC Asking Members to Trim Electricity Use Tomorrow and Thursday
Johnson, VT- Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is encouraging members to conserve electricity tomorrow evening (Wednesday) and Thursday evening as demand for electricity across New England is expected to spike because of high temperatures. Specifically, VEC asks members to conserve electricity both evenings from 5-10 pm. “When VEC can reduce the cost to buy and transmit electricity during these ‘peak’ periods, it helps control electricity rates for all co-op members over the long term,” said Jake Brown, VEC Energy Services Planner.
Jun 7
For 10th Year Running, Vermont Electric Co-op to Return Member Capital
Johnson, Vt – The Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) will be returning a total of $1.65 million to members later this summer in the form of member capital credits. The credits to be retired this year will go to members who paid VEC electric bills in either 1997 or in 2021. Current members will see credits on their August bills, and past members who are eligible will receive checks in the mail.
May 26
Reliability, Affordability and an Equitable Clean Energy Transition Themes at VEC Annual Meeting
Johnson, Vt – Vigorously pursuing Vermont Electric Co-op’s core mission of delivering reliable, affordable power – with a sharp eye toward assuring an equitable transition to cleaner energy – was the focus of remarks by VEC’s Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Towne during the organization’s recent Annual Meeting. The meeting, held May 14, was the first in-person VEC Annual Meeting since 2019. It was presided over by VEC Board Chair Rich Goggin of South Hero.