Burlington Electric Department Joins VPPSA as a Strategic Member
Strengthening Public Power Partnerships in Vermont
WATERBURY CENTER, VT – January 9, 2024 – The Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA) announced today that Burlington Electric Department (BED), has joined as a Strategic Member. Established by act of the General Assembly in 1979, membership in VPPSA is open to all municipalities in the State of Vermont engaged in the manufacture, distribution, purchase or sale of electricity, as authorized by VPPSA’s Board of Directors; and Strategic Membership is available to Vermont municipalities that otherwise would qualify for full membership but may also have in-house capacity to provide services that offer substantial ongoing benefit to VPPSA as a whole.
VPPSA looks forward to strengthening its collaboration with BED and other member utilities to advance the goals of local energy democracy and community-owned electric utilities in Vermont.
As a strategic member, BED can access VPPSA’s resources and expertise in areas such as power supply, public affairs, finances, and communications, as well as staff sharing for various projects or initiatives. Through its Strategic Membership, BED has the right to appoint a non-voting representative and Alternate to VPPSA’s Board of Directors and BED is invited to participate in VPPSA-sponsored projects including but not limited to Financing, the Renewable Energy Standard, and Efficiency Efforts.
“BED is excited to join VPPSA as a strategic member and to work with our fellow public power utilities on the common challenges and opportunities we face in the electric industry,” said BED General Manager, Darren Springer. “We look forward to continuing to work with VPPSA as an important partner and leverage our joint capabilities and experience in ways that are mutually beneficial for both BED and VPPSA, while supporting Burlington’s net zero energy vision.”
“We are thrilled to welcome BED as a strategic member of VPPSA and to expand our partnership with them,” said VPPSA General Manager Ken Nolan. “Together, we can achieve greater economies of scale and operational efficiencies, as well as advocate for the interests of public power in Vermont and beyond.”
About Vermont Public Power Supply Authority
#CommunityIsAtTheHeart – From powering homes to powering small towns, VPPSA member utilities have helped keep Vermont running for over 100 years. VPPSA provides services and solutions to municipal and cooperative electric utilities serving over 30,000 customers in 50 Vermont communities. VPPSA’s members power thriving local economies and support the move to a cleaner and more distributed electric grid by providing affordable and reliable electric service to all customers. For more information about how Community is at the Heart of VPPSA, visit www.vppsa.com.
About Burlington Electric Department
As the first city in the nation to source 100% of its power from renewable generation, Burlington Electric Department provides electric service to more than 21,000 residential and commercial/industrial customers. Whether residential, commercial, or industrial BED customers expect and deserve certain fundamental services: reliable and safe electricity, exceptional customer service, and affordable bills. For more information, visit www.burlingtonelectric.com.