VELCO Public Engagement
The Snelling Center assisted VELCO in the design and execution of a public engagement process related to the release of the 2009 Long Range Transmission Plan - Public Review Draft. This document looks out 20 years and identifies where electricity load growth will require transmission upgrades, new generation or increased energy efficiency to maintain reliability. The plan will be updated every three years.
The public process provided an opportunity to understand and potentially influence the future of Vermont’s electric transmission system by sharing information about activities that may influence future electricity transmission needs, projected peak load and/or potential solutions.
Public outreach related to the draft analysis, conducted through April and May, included: traditional and electronic media to publicize the release of the analysis; a website www.velco.com/publicoutreach to share the results of the analysis and gather input; engagement of key regional partners; and six statewide public forums. The public forums were held in: Rutland on April 27, 2009; Fairlee on April 29, 2009; Burlington on May 5, 2009; St. Johnsbury on May 7, 2009; Brattleboro on May 13, 2009; and Montpelier on May 18, 2009.
VELCO has a responsibility and commitment to address all public comments gathered through the outreach process in the plan it will submit to the Public Service Board. VELCO’s response and the plan will be posted on VELCO’s website www.velco.com after it is submitted to the PSB on July 1, 2009.
For questions about the Snelling Center's engagement process, contact Heidi Klein: heidi@snellingcenter.org.
E-mail for all inquiries related to the plan: publicoutreach@velco.com