Burlington Electric Department
2019–20 Strategic Direction
Mission
To serve the energy needs of our customers in a safe, reliable, affordable, and socially responsible manner.Values
Safety, Reliability, Community, Innovation2030 Vision
Make Burlington a Net Zero Energy city across electric, thermal, and ground transportation sectors by managing demand, realizing efficiency gains, and expanding local renewable generation, while
increasing system resilience.
- BED defines Net Zero Energy as Burlington sourcing at least as much renewable energy as it consumes in energy for electric, thermal, and ground transportation purposes.
- We source energy from New England and adjoining states and territories with a strong preference for generation closest to Burlington.
- For thermal and electric, we will work toward net zero with Burlington residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
- For transportation, our goal is to make in-city travel net zero, and lower the impact of intercity travel. Air travel is not included at this time.
Safety
Make safety the number one focus of everything we do as we pledge to promote safety awareness and commit to continuous improvement.Reliability
Maintain and improve the reliability and integrity of the Distribution and Generation systems, and ensure safe and timely restoration of service.Community
Deliver exceptional customer care, increase engagement, and proactively promote energy programs.Innovation
Advance nationally significant energy innovation that reduces fossil fuel use, transforms BED into a utility of the future, and helps achieve the Net Zero Energy City vision.Strategic Initiatives
Engage Customers and Community
Focus on Customer Care first-call resolution
Develop cutting edge marketing, and web and social media platforms
Create more equitable and accessible programs with a priority given to low-to-moderate income, rental, and first generation American populations
Evolve energy efficiency model to create more customer value and complement greenhouse gas and strategic electrification efforts
Drive more savings and customer engagement through Defeat the Peak
Strengthen Reliability
Update five-year Distribution System and Generation maintenance and upgrade plan to improve safety, reliability and efficiency
Develop Gas Turbine asset maintenance and major overhaul plans
Implement maintenance plan for McNeil, Winooski One and the Distribution System
Continue to automate distribution devices to improve system reliability
Implement and use grid analytics to improve system reliability and efficiency and enable end use technologies
Modernize Core Technology and Business Processes
Upgrade customer, financial, and meter data management information systems and ensure modern, simple, full-function customer care platform
Enhance cyber security capabilities
Promote teamwork, strategic problem solving and lean process improvement
Develop a culture of integrity and support comprehensive learning to enhance employee engagement, knowledge transfer, education, safety and training
Promote Innovation
Maintain quality facilities and use to showcase new technologies
Advance district energy and microgrid projects
Serve more customers through electrification programs across all modes of transportation
Develop dynamic rates to achieve Net Zero Energy goal
Review and implement recommendations from Net Zero Energy roadmap
Develop a Net Zero Energy home program
Launch lawn equipment electrification program
Manage Budget and Risks Responsibly
Create financially responsible and sustainable budgets that balance the need for stable rates, investment in core infrastructure, and strong credit rating factors
Ensure compliance with risk, safety and environmental regulatory standards
Update BED Operating Guidelines to align fees and services with current technology
Efficiently and effectively manage procurement of goods and services
