Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) introduced a voluntary renewable pricing program today which provides a convenient way for VEC members to support green energy projects in its northern Vermont service territory. VEC’s Green Team program gives VEC members a way to promote small scale energy development including solar, wind, and hydropower projects by making voluntary, fixed monthly contributions when paying their electric bills.
Both residential and commercial members of the Co-op are eligible to join the VEC Green Team. When signing up, members may choose from one of three fixed monthly contribution levels. The highest level reflects the incremental cost that an average consumer would pay on their electric bill if their entire supply of electricity was generated by renewable power sources.
The highest fixed monthly contribution option is called the Fancy level. Green Team members wishing to make smaller donations may choose the Grade A level or the Grade B level which are calculated at fifty and twenty-five percent of the Fancy level, respectively.
By way of example, a residential consumer choosing to participate at the Fancy Level would see an additional charge of eighteen dollars on their monthly electric bill; at the Grade B level the additional charge would be four dollars and fifty cents per month.
All funds collected by VEC through the Green Team program will be transferred to Vermont’s Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) to promote the development and deployment in VEC’s service territory of cost effective and environmentally sustainable electric power resources. Initially, these funds will be administered through the CEDF’s Small Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program.
‘Many VEC members tell us that they are willing to pay more for electricity if it’s green,’ said VEC spokesperson Liz Gamache. ‘By partnering with the CEDF to deliver this voluntary program, we are able to provide a simple and convenient way for VEC members to support renewable energy in our region through the Green Team program.’
Since its inception in 2003 the Small Scale Renewable Energy Program has supported 1,129 projects in Vermont with a total installed cost of $23.3 million. This very popular program provides rebates to individuals, businesses, farms, municipalities and multi-family low income housing projects for grid connected and net metered solar electric and small wind systems, solar hot water, and small-scale hydropower systems.
‘VEC’s collaboration with the CEDF provides us with a cost effective way to provide VEC members with a green energy program. By using existing programs, we have been able to work together to avoid duplicating efforts,’ continued Gamache.
To contribute or learn more, VEC members may call VEC at 800-832- 2667 or go to the company website: www.vermontelectric.coop/renewable-energy/vec-green-team
Vermont Electric Cooperative introduces Green Team program
Submitted by tim
on