Latest News
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.
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.