VPPSA Announces Utility Assistance Services for Barton Electric
September 30, 2022
Waterbury Center, VT – Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA) announced today that the organization is providing interim operational services for Barton Electric Department. VPPSA, a nonprofit energy company that provides services and solutions to Vermont municipal electric utilities, submitted a proposal in response to the village’s request for utility service assistance issued in July.
Under the arrangement, VPPSA is providing Barton Electric with a dedicated line crew and the necessary tools and equipment to perform regular utility operations during business hours. VPPSA is also partnering with nearby member utilities to provide coverage around the clock and emergency outage restoration. Barton Electric customers may see utility trucks from Hardwick Electric Department, Lyndonville Electric Department, and Orleans Electric working in Barton Electric service territory. VPPSA continues to manage the electric utility office staff under an existing arrangement effective since 2021.
“VPPSA’s vision is to promote, advance, and celebrate public power communities,” said Ken Nolan, VPPSA General Manager. “We are deeply committed to the Barton community and believe that this arrangement will put Barton Electric on a path that will enable the community to thrive.”
The request for proposals was issued after Barton Village voters elected not to sell their municipal electric utility in May 2022. In June, village trustees brought on Patty Richards, former Washington Electric Cooperative General Manager, and Chris Recchia, Principal of Energy and Environment Services to assist with utility management.
VPPSA’s utility operation services went into effect on August 12 and are expected to continue for two years while the Barton Village trustees evaluate alternative utility operations.
Barton Electric customers are encouraged to attend and participate in bimonthly trustee meetings every second and fourth Monday at 6:00 PM in the Barton Village Municipal Building.