Gov. Shumlin announces launch of Energy Plan website

For Immediate Release June 20, 2011 CONTACT: Susan Allen 802-828-3333 Gov. Shumlin announces launch of Energy Plan website MONTPELIER – Gov. Peter Shumlin announced today the launch of www.vtenergyplan.vermont.gov, a website that will serve as a one-stop source of information related to the state’s Comprehensive Energy Plan. That Plan, due Oct. 15, is under development by the Department of Public Service, in collaboration with other State agencies, stakeholders and the public.  Through the website, the public will be able to follow developments and share their ideas through an online comment form. “The active participation of Vermonters is essential in determining our energy needs and preferences moving forward,” Gov. Shumlin said.  “Using this one-stop format to receive information from the public and keep Vermonters involved will help us identify and implement solutions to meeting our energy needs.” The website is part of the Department of Public Service’s much-needed update to Vermont’s Comprehensive Energy Plan, last officially adopted in 1998. The Department has also received input through a series of stakeholder meetings and forums around the state.  The next public forum, focusing on regional planning commission and town energy committee initiatives is June 28 from 6-9 p.m. in the Colchester High School Cafeteria, and the concerted public outreach effort will continue throughout the summer. The process to revise the plan is collaborative, and stakeholders and the public are encouraged to use the website to comment on what they would like to see the plan address. The Department is also coordinating with the Governor’s Office, as well as the Agencies of Agriculture Food and Markets, Commerce and Community Development, Human Services, Natural Resources, Transportation, Buildings and General Services, and the Climate Cabinet. “We have engaged in a good process of forums, meetings, and interagency cooperation thus far, but are very glad to have this dedicated website now up and running so that Vermonters can submit web-based comments and ideas before the plan is fully drafted and finalized,” said Public Service Commissioner Elizabeth Miller. “Up-front participation is far preferable to simply allowing reaction to the plan once completed.” The Plan has three primary purposes.  First, it helps inform readers of the many challenges that Vermonters are facing in their efforts to maintain a safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply. Second, the plan examines the current efforts taking place to address these energy challenges.  Finally, it makes specific recommendations on ways in which the state can support, guide, expand, and/or take the critical next steps to help lead Vermont, the region, and the nation into a sustainable and affordable energy future.

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