A Decade of Change: A Vision for Vermont’s Renewable Energy Future

The electricity generated across New England is dominated by dirty, dangerous, and expensive power sources. Over 80 percent of the region’s electricity comes from either the burning of fossil fuels, which contributes to global warming, or from aging nuclear power plants that threaten the security and safety of the entire region. As Vermont’s electricity supply options change over the next ten years, the state is in danger of increasing its global  warming pollution by relying on more coal, oil, and natural gas to meet its needs. Moreover, the state’s needs are increasing and are projected to increase every year if sufficient investments are not made in conservation and efficiency.

Vermont has a rich history of environmental awareness and action. Other states regularly look to Vermont for solutions to some of our most pressing environmental problems. For Vermont to follow through on the historic commitments made by the Governor and the Vermont legislature to reduce global warming pollution, creating a clean electricity future is a must.

Vermont, thankfully, has the renewable resources to make a clean electricity future possible. Doing so, in addition, will help Vermont’s economy grow and insulate Vermonters from the shocks of rising electricity prices.

A Decade of Change lays out a clear and achievable vision for a clean, safe, and affordable electricity future for Vermont. Not only can we make this vision a reality, but we must for the sake of future generations and the health of our planet. The first step in our decade of change will be to use less electricity, plus make sure that we use it wisely. According to the Department of Public Service, if we do not invest in conservation and efficiency, Vermont’s electricity consumption in 2015 will be 16 percent more than we use today. But if we combine common-sense conservation actions with moderate investments in energy efficiency, we can instead reduce our electricity consumption to at least five percent below 2005 levels.

The second step in our decade of change will be to start building our clean electricity future today with local Vermont resources. Renewable electricity generated from Vermont resources provided just 15  percent in 2005. By 2015 that can be increased to 55 percent.