Dear Energy Coach: I am buying an EV, and I want to know where I can charge it. Can I charge a non-Tesla at a Tesla charging station now? Why isn’t there an industry standard for this stuff? Let’s start now and then look to the future. Yes: an industry standard is emerging, and it looks like it’s the North …
When your EV is also your outage battery backup: Looking ahead to bidirectional charging
EVs on the market can already charge other devices. Bidirectional charging EVSE will allow EVs to function as full-house battery backup. Bill Powell, WEC’s Energy Coach, doesn’t usually trade in predicting the future. When it comes to making big purchase decisions, though, he knows WEC members like to plan ahead. Members who are still driving combustion engine cars, but are …
Time capsule
15 years ago, here’s what Cabot kids learned about energy During the 2007-2008 school year, Energy Coach Bill Powell visited Cabot fourth-graders to talk about power. What they learned from his presentation was incorporated into “a display we created to share our year-long, whole school focus on energy and sustainability,” said retired teacher and WEC member Mary Ann Tormey. Recently, …
Energy Coach
Ask the Energy Coach: When will incentives resume? Dear Energy Coach: I just installed a hot water heat pump and want to take advantage of WEC’s incentives. When will they be available again? You can submit the invoices for any eligible equipment upgrades now – in fact, WEC hopes you will. All eligible equipment upgrades dated from September through December …
Supply chain delays complicate beneficial electrification efforts
WEC asks for patience and communication in a time of high demand and low supply You don’t need a Level 2 charger unless your daily mileage exceeds what a Level 1 can do overnight. – Bill Powell You’ve been on the list for 18 months, and you’re finally about to pick up your electric vehicle. There’s just one hitch. You …
New coaching program helps Vermonters improve their financial health and climate impact
This winter, the price of heating oil spiked. This spring, gasoline topped $5 per gallon in some parts of Vermont. Many of us are feeling the pinch of inflation and cost of living increases. For years, community action agencies have offered income-eligible Vermonters support in managing their finances. Now, a new statewide program ties together financial and energy coaching, making …
New ReWire pilot program offers no-cost electrical system upgrades to eligible members
If your home was weatherized by Capstone, you may be eligible for electrical system upgrades that help reduce fossil fuel costs and get you ready for electric vehicles Washington Electric Cooperative and Capstone Community Action are partnering on a project to upgrade the electrical systems of some WEC members. Called ReWire, the project aims to give members electrical capacity for …
Brief Updates – June 2022
Final Phase of Rate Design Effective July 1 On July 1, the final phase of WEC’s rate redesign takes effect: The residential monthly customer charge will rise to $26.49 The residential charge per kilowatt hour will drop to $0.21149 Members will continue to purchase the first 100 kilowatt hours each month at the reduced rate of $0.08476. This is not …
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 …