October 2024 Net Zero Energy News: NZE Grid Reliability Revenue Bond

Learn More about Net Zero Energy and Grid Reliability Revenue Bond: Ballot item #1 this November is BED’s proposal of a new $20 million Net Zero Energy and Grid Reliability Revenue Bond. This bond would not impact property taxes and would be repaid solely through BED revenues. Also, the bond would help reduce near-term rate pressure, while BED invests in climate action and reliability through the end of this decade, including:

• Boosting grid capacity to 90 megawatts (from 80 MW, with a current summer peak of 65 MW) to handle even more EVs, heat pumps, geothermal systems, electric buses, and other beneficial electrification measures;
• Supporting strong grid reliability, which long has been the number one priority for BED customers;
• Completing technology systems upgrades to enable more dynamic rates that reduce peak energy usage and make electric heating and transportation more affordable;
• Bringing 200 new public EV charging ports, including 47 fast chargers, to Burlington by providing matching funds for a $4.89 million Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration—the first and only such grant in the State of Vermont;
• Adding to the BED fleet 12 new EVs, including a second all-electric bucket truck, so we can continue to lead by example; and
• Investing further in our renewable generation plants, including relicensing the Winooski One Hydroelectric Facility.

More details, FAQs, and a podcast episode with BED GM Darren Springer and CFO Emily Stebbins-Wheelock are available at: burlingtonelectric.com/nzegridbond25. BED also will be presenting at upcoming Neighborhood Planning Assembly meetings – please check your agendas.

Get Rebates for Snow Blowers and Heat Pumps: While fall has just begun, we all know that winter is right around the corner. Now is a great time to learn more about BED’s rebates on cold climate heat pumps to keep you warm through the winter and on snow blowers to keep your driveways clear. Please visit burlingtonelectric.com/heatpumps and burlingtonelectric.com/snowblowers to learn more. Also, email efficiency@burlingtonelectric.com with questions about how to improve your energy efficiency and save money.

Provide Input on Locations for Public EV Chargers in our Community: As BED works to make EV charging easier and more accessible in Burlington, BED is seeking input from the Burlington community and visitors to Burlington about where BED should install new EV charging stations that will be open to the public. BED plans to install additional public EV chargers throughout the City, including Level 3 fast chargers, Level 2 dual-port, ground-mounted chargers, and potentially additional utility pole-mounted chargers. Please visit burlingtonelectric.com/newchargers to learn more and provide input.

Visit us at Next Year’s Net Zero Energy Festival: BED was pleased to join with Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and many City Departments and community partners to host our 3rd annual Net Zero Energy Festival on September 21. Thank you to all our customers and community members who joined us for the event! We had a supercharged day of family fun in pursuit of our Net Zero Energy goal, as we showcased ways that we all can reduce fossil fuel use and electrify everything. Check out burlingtonelectric.com/festival for a full listing of all the great events, activities, live music, food, and more we offered at the festival. Please mark your calendars for our 4th annual Net Zero Energy Festival to be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 (rain date Sunday, September 21).