Reliability of electric power in the face of climate change is the focus of the VEC annual meeting

A delicious breakfast, gifts and prizes conclude the event

Vermont Business Journal Vermont Electric Co-op members recently got a rundown on how the co-op is planning for increased weather-related threats to the power system during the VEC’s annual meeting at Smugglers’ Notch Resort. The morning-long event took place last Saturday, May 11.

Speaking to a crowd of about 160 people, Dr. Jay Schaeffer, chief science officer at Disaster Tech, explained the growing weather threats caused by climate change. Peter Rossi, VEC’s Chief Operating Officer, then briefed members on the types of investments the cooperative is making to increase the reliability and resilience of VEC’s power system in the face of these risks.

Following the presentations, the question-and-answer period focused on the future of the grid, integration of renewable energy sources, and managing expected increases in demand in the coming years.

Members who attended enjoyed free breakfast and giveaways, and won several prizes including a Weber Lumin electric grill provided by Smugglers’ Notch Resort, an electric weed trimmer donated by Efficiency Vermont, as well as giveaways from a range of VEC partners including Erica’s Dinner American in Fairfax and others.

Members also had a chance to check out two of the VEC fleet’s all-electric Ford F150 Lightning pickup trucks, and discuss the co-op’s experience so far operating these trucks in Vermont conditions.

Finally, the elected members of the Board are: Jeffrey Wilson of Coventry representing District 2; Ken Huebner of Jeffersonville represents the Western District; and Rich Goggin of South Hero representing the Eastern District.

You can watch a video recording of the meeting here. (Note – video direction is corrected at minute 3)

About Vermont Electric Cooperative

Founded in 1938, Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is a member-owned, non-profit electric distribution corporation that provides safe, affordable and reliable electric service to approximately 33,000 members in 75 communities in northern Vermont. VEC operates with a 100 percent carbon-neutral annual energy supply and is nationally recognized for its innovative and advanced use of technology. VEC is the largest locally owned electric distribution utility in Vermont. www.vermontelectric.coop

Source: 5/14/2024. Johnson, VT- Vermont Electric Association

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