Don Rendall launched his tenure as the CEO of Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) on January 1, promising to bring a new vision and direction to the company. He succeeds Don Gilbert, who retired after 13 years as CEO. Rendall takes over at a time when VGS has had to rethink its southern expansion as cost hikes have caused further regulatory review of its plans to run a pipeline to Middlebury and then to Ticonderoga, NY, and later to Rutland.
“Natural gas is already a more affordable, cleaner choice for almost 50,000 families, businesses, and institutions in Chittenden and Franklin counties,” said Rendall. “As CEO, I will work to expand the benefits of natural gas to more Vermonters, drive innovation, establish and meet high standards for candor with the public and our regulators, and maintain a respectful, open dialogue with any Vermonter interested in the state’s clean energy future.”
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The homes and businesses currently using natural gas are saving significant dollars on their energy bills. VGS says the typical Vermont household can save 40-50 percent by converting to natural gas from fuel oil or propane.
Rendall anticipates a continued emphasis on energy efficiency, an area in which VGS has an award-winning record.
“We don’t just deliver natural gas. In fact, our energy efficiency programs help reduce energy use and emissions, and save our customers more than $13 million per year – money that can be invested in jobs, education, health care, our families and our communities.”
Rendall said conservation and energy efficiency are both crucial tools for achieving Vermont’s clean energy goals. “The more we are able to conserve, the more we will be able to serve our customers fully and reliably within the state’s goals for renewable and conventional energy,” he stated. “Natural gas is the cleanest of the conventional thermal fuels, and must play an important role in transitioning Vermont to the largely renewable energy future we can all see ahead of us.”
Rendall’s innovative clean energy vision for Vermont Gas includes partnering with renewable energy producers, procuring renewable natural gas for Vermont customers, and speaking up for responsible natural gas extraction and transportation practices.
Rendall said VGS is exploring more renewable natural gas options, can back up renewable energy sources as communities transition to ‘microgrids’ and will continue maintaining one of the tightest and most efficient gas distribution systems in the nation.
“Vermont Gas will be a voice for effective regulation of drilling practices, including hydraulic fracturing, of fuel oil and natural gas,” Rendall said. “Effective regulation and enforcement are critically important as the industry expands production throughout North America.”
Rendall pointed out that natural gas creates fewer climate-changing carbon emissions than other carbon-based fuels. “When you choose natural gas to heat your home, you are also choosing to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, compared to other conventional fuels like oil that are currently the only choice for many Vermont households,” he said.
Under Rendall’s leadership, the company said it will remain committed to bringing natural gas to Addison and Rutland counties aswell.
“Our goal is to strengthen Vermont’s economy and environment by giving more Vermont families and businesses the opportunity to choose natural gas and our energy efficiency services,” Rendall said. “Our commitment is to deliver a cost-effective project that will serve the best interests of our customers, our communities, and our state. As we move forward, I will share both the project’s opportunities and its challenges openly and honestly.”
Rendall said the company’s record of excellent customer service will continue.
“VGS will continue to put customer needs first. Our customers give us high marks for customer service. We will aim to improve on this excellent record. I look forward to working with our 140-plus dedicated employees to serve and listen to our customers,” he said. “I am deeply impressed by the dedication, knowledge, and role of every Vermont Gas employee in supporting Vermont communities, businesses and households.”
Rendall comes to VGS from Green Mountain Power, where he served in several roles since 2002, most recently Senior Vice President of Strategy and Financial Affairs. Prior to that, he practiced law for 15 years as a partner at the Burlington law firm Sheehey Furlong & Behm. Rendall has also served professional and community organizations, including the Vermont Bar Association, where he served as President in 2002; United Way of Chittenden County, where he was Community Campaign Chair (2006) and President of the Board of Directors (2009-2011). He currently serves on the Board of the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce and is a former Chair of that board. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Duke University Law School.
Source: About Vermont Gas. 1.5.2014
Vermont Gas serves almost 50,000 customers in Franklin and Chittenden counties and is currently working to expand serviceinto Addison and Rutland counties through the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project. The company's long heritage for safe and reliable operations includes its award-winning energy-efficiency programs, which reduce energy use while saving current customers an additional $13 million annually for homes and businesses. For more information on Vermont Gas’ energy efficiency programs, visit www.VermontGas.com