Vermont Business Magazine — On Thursday, Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC), Encore Renewable Energy, and SoCore Energy, held a Community Appreciation Event at the site of VEC’s first Co-op Community Solar project on Route 78 and Dump Road in Alburgh. The Community Appreciation Event was held to thank VEC members and the Town of Alburgh for helping to bring the one-megawatt solar project to fruition. VEC’s Co-op Community Solar project provides Co-op members with a new opportunity to save money by sponsoring solar panels and obtaining monthly bill credits. Developing cost-effective, well-sited, locally-generated, renewable energy is a VEC priority.
“The benefits of this project to the state of Vermont and to VEC members are numerous–this is a win-win-win all around,” said Christine Hallquist, VEC’s Chief Executive Officer. “The Co-op has ensured a fair price for the development and operation of this solar project, providing direct value to Co-op members, The Renewable Energy Certificates for the sponsored panels will be retired by the Co-op, contributing to Vermont’s renewable energy goals,” Hallquist added, “It is particularly fitting that we are launching this project during National Cooperative Month when we are celebrating the principles and the values of the cooperative business model.”
VEC also thanked its project partners, Encore Renewable Energy and SoCore Energy, pointing out their community mindedness and technical expertise, which contributed to a successful project.
Encore Renewable Energy is a local, Burlington-based business that prides itself on creating harmony between the natural and built environment to foster sustainable economic growth, environmental awareness, and community benefit. “Encore is thrilled to have been able to support VEC in bringing cost-effective renewable energy to VEC members,” said Chad Farrell, Encore’s Founder and President. “This project is a great example of what we can do when we work together across multiple organizations to achieve positive triple bottom line outcomes, and we are pleased to be able to help the Co-op get this project over the finish line.”
Eric Luesebrink, Senior Vice President of Business Development at SoCore Energy, spoke about SoCore’s unique experience in working on projects with cooperatives. “It has been a wonderful experience working with VEC and adding to our portfolio of projects with rural electric cooperatives. We are pleased to help bring clean renewable energy to their members and to support the development of community solar in Vermont. It brings new opportunities and choices for their members.”
The project partners ended the Community Appreciation Event by presenting the Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department with a financial gift in appreciation for all that the volunteers do each day to keep their community safe. VEC, Encore, and SoCore are proud to be part of such a strong and caring community.
The solar array, located at the corner of Route 78 and Dump Road in Alburgh, has nearly 4,000 solar panels for a total capacity of 1.28 megawatts and an expected electrical generation of about 1.5 million kilowatt-hours per year. The project construction is mostly complete with commissioning to be finalized later this year.
Project partners present a financial contribution to the Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department. Left to Right: Tyler Gotshall, Chief of the Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department; Christine Hallquist, CEO, Vermont Electric Cooperative; Chad Farrell, Encore’s Founder and President; Eric Luesebrink, Senior Vice President of Business Development at SoCore Energy. (Photo courtesy of Spike Advertising).
VEC invites everyone to learn more about VEC’s Co-op Community Solar program by visiting vermontelectric.coop/co-op-community-solar. Contact VEC with any questions: 1-800-832-2667 or
About Vermont Electric Cooperative: www.vermontelectric.coop
Vermont Electric Cooperative, established in 1938, is a non-profit, member-owned electric distribution utility that provides safe, affordable, and reliable energy services to approximately 32,000 members in 75 towns. Nationally recognized for innovative and advanced use of technology, Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is the largest locally owned electric distribution utility in Vermont.
About Encore Renewable Energy: www.encorerenewableenergy.com
Encore is a Burlington, Vermont-based leading clean energy development company focusing on commercial, industrial and community-scale solar PV systems and 21st century solutions for underutilized property. Founded in 2007 as Encore Redevelopment, Encore specializes in the design, development, financing, permitting, and construction of renewable energy projects. For more information about Encore, visit EncoreRenewableEnergy.com
About SoCore Energy: (Acquired by Engie North America in March 2018)
SoCore Energy is a market leader in commercial, industrial and distributed solar portfolio development. With hundreds of solar solutions designed and installed across 21 states, SoCore offers commercial and industrial companies, electric cooperatives and communities portfolio-wide solar solutions that provide energy cost savings and carbon reduction opportunities. As a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Edison International, SoCore combines Edison’s Fortune 500 stability with entrepreneurial creativity in order to provide energy solutions that its customers genuinely want and need. SoCore works together with its partner National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) to support the development of solar for rural electric cooperatives and their members.
Source: Alburgh, VT- 10.20.2016 Vermont Electric Cooperative
The team at Encore Renewable Energy® is proud to be certified as a B Corp, joining over 3,500 other businesses worldwide who also share a commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.