by Stephen Knowlton Sometimes, things seem to work out even if they don’t come off quite the way as originally planned. Readers of Co-op Currents will recall that Washington Electric had been in the process of applying for a $36.5 million loan from the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service to construct a 900-mile long fiber network in WEC …
For World-Renowned Marriage Therapists, High Speed Internet Is a Missing Piece of Business Operations
When Israel and Cathie Helfand moved to Cabot in 1997, it was a conscious choice to bring hands-on homesteading into their daily life, and wilderness into their therapy practice. Using the carpentry skills that put Israel through graduate school, they rehabbed a 1845 farmhouse, built trails and gardens, and reintroduced farm animals, creating a space where visitors could decompress. Many …
Our Electric Car Experience
Members Write by Lauri Scharf It’s been over two years now since we bought an electric car (or EV). It’s our first EV, so we weren’t sure what to expect, but at this point the verdict is in: we’re very satisfied. At the end of the day, living with an EV isn’t very different from daily life with a gas …
Bernstein and Reed Will Not Run Again, Opening Two Seats on WEC’s Board of Directors
Longtime WEC directors and officers Barry Bernstein and Annie Reed have announced they do not plan to run for re-election to the Board in 2022. This opens two of the three Board seats up for election. Incumbent Steven Farnham will run for re-election. The Board of Directors sets policy and develops the long term vision of Washington Electric Cooperative. Every …
Cost equity and policy evolution at a time of change
Steve and Louis discuss the why behind costs and policy decisions President’s and General Manager’s Message Cost equity Louis: We’re at a strange juncture of abundance and scarcity. Our state is receiving lots of federal money for infrastructure, we are encouraging our members to purchase electric vehicles and switch over from fossil fuel to electric devices, and yet we’re looking …
Operations Crew Ready for 2022
One of the many factors that made 2021 historic was the state of labor. Across the country, across industries, for many different reasons, people left jobs or changed employers. In settled times, WEC has a fairly settled workforce, with employees regularly celebrating 10, 20, even 30 year work anniversaries with the Co-op. But this past year, WEC experienced the shifting …
Ways WEC Lights the Darkness
For many folks, 2021 has been as tough a year as 2020 was. It’s apparent to WEC just through the record number of accounts that are in arrears–even after a second round of state grants to help Vermonters pay utility bills. “The pandemic has been tremendously difficult in terms of the challenges it brought to bear on people,” said General …
Before you buy your new EV: an Energy Coach checklist
Gas prices are climbing again, and waves of new electric vehicles on the market are finding more new drivers than ever—attracted by better tech, a variety of pricing incentives, and growing awareness that they cost less to operate than the gas and diesel varieties. Soon, EVs will replace gas-powered cars. It’s a great time to make the switch. But the …
WEC overcomes tree crew labor shortage, works to catch up on Right-of-Way clearing before winter
Larry Gilbert, Right of Way Manager Over 2021, WEC’s operations department felt pinches in the supply chain and labor market just like most other industries. But in an essential industry—distributing electric power—in a rural service area, with storm season upon us, those pinches can have real effects. WEC contracts with several tree crews to help manage vegetation growth in its …
Strategic steps forward
Louis Porter begins GM journey with WEC-wide strategic planning, assessing risk before broadband project goes before membership and regulators, storm preparedness, call for Board candidates, and the season of giving President’s and General Manager’s Message Strategic start Steve: The General Manager sets the process for operating the utility, brings new skills and a new outlook in carrying out the WEC …