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 …
Capstone uses ARPA funds to weatherize income-eligible households for free
Paul Zabriskie, Capstone’s Director of Weatherization and Climate Impact Recently, Vermont announced the arrival of $7.9 million in American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds earmarked for weatherization assistance programs. “What that means, in the near term,” said Paul Zabriskie, Director of Weatherization and Climate Impact at Capstone, “is we’re able to really step up the pace of weatherization.” Capstone is …
Board asks membership to support broadband rollout and grid improvements with $36.5 million low-interest loan
by WEC’s Board of Directors WEC’s Board of Directors asks for our members’ support to take out a low-interest $36.5 million federal loan from the USDA’s Rural Utility Service (RUS) program, our primary lender, to build a fiber communication network throughout our service territory. The purpose of this project is to expedite access to high speed broadband service for WEC …