Multiple factors cause the Co-op to need to raise rates by more than 10 percent By Louis Porter WEC is planning to file a request for a significant rate increase with state regulators this month, due to a decline in production from the Coventry plant as work has taken place on the Casella landfill, very high and volatile electricity prices …
Net Metering’s Effects on Washington Electric Co-op
By the Board and General Manager of Washington Electric Co-op As the most expensive form of renewable power in the state, net metering raises the cost of electricity to Vermonters who do not own such systems while it lowers the costs for those who do. The members of Washington Electric Cooperative have a long history of supporting renewable energy. The …
Who pays the cost of poles and wires
All members require infrastructure, but cost to maintain it is shifted to ratepayers WEC’s infrastructure costs have risen in recent years. The Co-op has prioritized improving reliability in the face of climate change-related storms and tree damage: that means replacing old poles, installing new poles to shorten long spans of wire, removing “danger trees” that could fall on the lines, …
President’s and General Manager’s Message
WEC’s rate redesign, incentivizing beneficial electrification, now in full effect Co-op continues to support broadband rollout, Community Fund donations, and hosts two member events in September New rate design now in full effect Steve: The final phase of WEC’s rate redesign took effect July 1. According to the Public Utility Commission’s ruling, we’ve been required to implement the changes in …
WEC Welcomes New Leadership, Looks Ahead to Grid Updates
Seasonal right-of-way clearing underway to support reliability, broadband rollout, and advanced metering infrastructure Election results; welcome new Directors Steve: We had an unusual number of candidates running for election in 2022, so that’s a good sign that people are interested in serving their community and spending time on the Board. Something else that’s unusual, in my experience, is we had …
Counting Ballots and Marking Changes at WEC’s 2022 Annual Meeting
Typically, at WEC’s Annual Meetings, there is little drawn-out suspense regarding the results of the Board of Directors election. That’s true even in years when the Annual Meeting is held in-person, when the ballot box remains open during a community dinner. The quorum is established and votes are counted quickly, and results are announced shortly after the Board President opens …
WEC featured on VPR podcast
A rural Vermont utility crew confronts a surprise outage, and a changing climate Erica Heilman, producer of Rumble Strip, profiled WEC for VPR broadcast Published by Vermont Public Radio | By Erica Heilman | April 29, 2022 “Last week, there was a storm of wet heavy snow in areas throughout Vermont, with power outages all around the state. Independent producer Erica Heilman stopped …
WEC’s 2021 Report Card By the Numbers
Service Quality and Reliability Results By Louis Porter Washington Electric Cooperative annually reports to state regulators how well it provided service to its members over the last year. The Service Quality and Reliability Plan, or SQRP, report consists of 12 categories designed to take a snapshot of where we are doing well and where we need to improve. While this …
General Manager’s Report: WEC Draws on Its Strengths to Navigate Disruptions
By Louis Porter About five months ago, I began working for Washington Electric Cooperative, and I continue to be amazed by the warm welcome and generosity shown by my colleagues, the members, the Board of Directors, and those who work in Vermont’s public power system. Our corner of Vermont, and the world at large, have faced tremendous upheaval from ongoing …
Vermont Sees Influx of Funding for Broadband Rollout
WEC plans a third virtual Annual Meeting; transformer shortage affects PowerShift President’s and General Manager’s Message Broadband rollout Steve: Vermont is experiencing an influx of funding related to high-speed internet. There are many more opportunities for federal funding for broadband through various forms: ARPA [the American Rescue Plan Act], NTIA [National Telecommunications and Information Administration], and the USDA ReConnect program, …