Barbara Grimes, who has led the Burlington Electric Department for 15 years, announced her retirement as General Manager today in a letter to Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger. Grimes will step down at the end of her current Mayoral appointment on June 30, 2014.’
In her letter to the mayor (SEE’ BELOW), Grimes said, "I have been blessed with an incredible Management Team at BED who over the past 14 plus years has worked to make the utility what it’ today."
In response, Weinberger issued the following statement: ‘The people of Burlington have benefited greatly from the many years of service Barb Grimes has given to the City and to the State of Vermont,’ said Weinberger.’ ‘In her nearly 15 years at BED, General Manager Grimes used organizational efficiency, conservation initiatives, and strategic renewable energy investments to make the Department greener, while keeping the cost of energy low to the customers. ‘ While the BED team is losing a dedicated leader, the City will continue to benefit from the influence Barb has had on its members.’ I wish Barb much success and happiness with her post-BED plans.’’
Grimes is the first woman to serve as the head of a Vermont Municipal Electric Department. She also is the first woman to be President of the Northeast Public Power Association. Since coming to BED, she and her team have continued to keep the use of electricity below 1989 levels through energy efficiency programs, including the newest programs of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) for residents and On-Bill Financing for commercial customers. Grimes has made a priority of strengthening BED’s distribution system by upgrading the system to 13.8 Kv and reducing line losses, saving the Department more than $400,000 annually.’
Weinberger and Grimes met Monday morning with BED staff to inform them of Grimes’ retirement plans. During that meeting, Weinberger shared his commitment to identify and appoint a talented and visionary individual to lead Burlington Electric forward and ensured the BED staff of a smooth transition.’
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