COLCHESTER, Vt. – Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC) and Green Mountain Power (GMP) today each launched a Broadband Deployment Program to help more Vermonters in some of the hardest-to-reach corners of Vermont get connected to broadband quickly and cost-effectively.
The plans approved by the Vermont Public Utility Commission lower the cost for broadband providers to connect the hardest-to-serve customers, by offering up to $2,000 per unserved location for infrastructure connection costs. The program aims to create greater equity for customers to access the economic, educational and social benefits that come with connectivity, including the ability to choose innovative energy services that rely on broadband availability. If broadband companies fully enroll for the discounts, more than 10,000 customers who currently do not have broadband could be connected by the end of next year.
“VEC knows our rural communities need broadband to thrive,” said Rebecca Towne, VEC’s CEO. “This new program is an important step to accelerate connectivity in Vermont and offset the cost of reaching those without internet. As utilities, we are experienced in supporting critical infrastructure, and this additional investment will advance rural connectivity and the future vitality of our region.”
The program lowers the cost to broadband providers of what is called “make ready” work – the preparation and infrastructure work needed to deliver broadband service safely and reliably. Often that means stringing fiber along a route and making sure there is room for internet service providers’ equipment on distribution poles.
“The pandemic exposed connectivity inequities across Vermont that our state must address quickly using all available technologies and resources. This is a practical, cost-effective solution we can put to work now to help change that,” said Mari McClure, GMP president and CEO. “In addition to the economic, educational and social benefits, more customers will be able to access GMP’s cost-saving and carbon-reducing programs and services since many of the technologies involved require reliable Internet service.”
The new Broadband Deployment Programs were developed in response to the Department of Public Service’s call to action last year to use all available resources to deploy broadband service to Vermonters, and it is one part of a larger effort by state officials, policy and business leaders across the state to enhance broadband connectivity in a variety of ways. This new program is welcomed by communities that have struggled for years to get all residents connected.
“Getting reliable high-speed broadband to unserved and underserved communities is as essential as access to phone and electrical service. It affects access to healthcare, education, and employment, and can help reduce feelings of social isolation, which can improve overall wellbeing,” said Chris Campany with the Windham Regional Commission. “This is an all-hands-on-deck situation, and anything that can be done to facilitate the critical make ready work should be done, and we applaud VEC and GMP for being part of the solution.”
Broadband providers can use these programs for new buildouts in VEC and GMP territory starting this spring and can find eligibility details through each utility’s website. VEC’s program is at https://vermontelectric.coop/rates-and-tariffs, and GMP’s plan will be available on GMP’s website.
About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power (GMP) serves approximately 266,000 residential and business customers in Vermont and is partnering with them to improve lives and transform communities. GMP is focused on a new way of doing business to meet the needs of customers with integrated energy services that help people use less energy and save money, while continuing to generate clean, cost-effective and reliable power in Vermont. GMP is the first utility in the world to get a B Corp certification, meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability and transparency standards and committing to use business as a force for good. GMP earned a spot-on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in the World list four years in a row (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). In 2019 GMP was honored by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine with the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year Award.
About Vermont Electric Co-operative
Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC), established in 1938, is a non-profit, member-owned electric distribution utility that provides safe, affordable, and reliable electric service to approximately 32,000 members in 75 communities in northern Vermont. VEC has been nationally recognized for innovative and advanced use of technology and has received several awards for its leadership as a supportive and healthy Vermont workplace (Vermont Pride Business of the Year 2016, Worksite Wellness Award 2014-2020, Cigna Well-Being Award 2019-2020, VOSHA Green Mountain Voluntary Protection Award (2017-2020). www.vermontelectric.coop
Kristin Kelly, Green Mountain Power
(802) 318-0872
[email protected]
The pandemic exposed connectivity inequities across Vermont that our state must address quickly using all available technologies and resources. This is a practical, cost-effective solution we can put to work now to help change that.
Mari McClure, GMP President and CEO
