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Vermont

Vermont is the only state in New England that has not implemented some form of deregulation. Several attempts at deregulation legislation have failed, and at this point it appears that the legislature will not take the lead on deregulation. However, a Docket at the Public Services Board is underway to examine the drawbacks and benefits of deregulation, and out of this it is possible that a voluntary restructuring plan might be presented to the legislature. The situation in Vermont is complicated by the precarious financial position of some of the state's utilities, caused in part by contracts with large hydroelectric generators in Canada. For more information about the status deregulation in Vermont, contact Scudder Parker (802-828-4009) or Christopher Owen (802-828-4038) with the Department of Public Services, or visit the Department¹s website at http://www.state.vt.us/psd.

The bright side to the situation in Vermont is its recently instituted Energy Efficiency Utility, an innovative model effort. This organization, which began operation on March 1, 2000, will take over the energy-efficiency demand-side-management programs from the utilities, and work with state residences and businesses to reduce electric power consumption. The idea behind this organization is that a single, statewide business, whose sole mission is to reduce electric power consumption (as opposed to selling electricity as well), will have a greater impact than a variety of programs run by the electric utilities themselves. Having this program in the hands of an organization that will focus on efficiency only, and not sell electricity as well, will likely go a long way to helping Vermonters help the environment through reduced use of electricity. The Energy Efficiency Utility can be reached at 802-658-6060. Or visit their website at http://www.efficiencyvermont.com.