HARDWICK – Sarah Elise Braese has been appointed by the board of commissioners of the Hardwick Electric Department to be the next general manager of the Town of Hardwick Electric Department (HED). She comes to HED following her work as assistant general manager with the Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA), of which HED is a member.
“We are delighted to bring Sarah’s focus on customers, policy and the regulatory environment to our team” noted commission Chair Lynne Gedanken. “Her understanding of the electric industry and the communities we serve will help HED meet the needs of our customers.”
Braese understands customers’ needs will continue to evolve with the changing energy landscape as the result of policy changes that the Vermont Legislature has enacted during the past decade, according to a HED press release.
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“While energy policy and complex grid challenges create a dynamic future, the foundation of public power is a proximity to the people it serves and local energy democracy. Upon joining HED, I anticipate meeting with customers directly to understand their wants, needs and priorities from Hardwick Electric,” Braese offered. “My priority is to engage with the communities HED serves and help customers sustainably meet their energy needs affordably and reliably.” She notes that HED is fortunate to have an incredibly talented, dedicated team and a commission focused on helping the communities thrive.
As VPPSA’s assistant general manager, Braese has been responsible for managing the regulatory and power supply services provided by the authority. These responsibilities have included developing and presenting the authority’s regulatory position, managing VPPSA members’ Renewable Energy Standard compliance and the design, development and delivery of internal and external training programs.
Prior to joining VPPSA in 2022, Braese worked in a variety of operational, project management, membership and training roles with regional trade associations serving electric utilities including the Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA) and Energy Council of the Northeast (ECNE). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont’s Rubenstein School of Natural Resources, a Master of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Braese’s first day with HED will be January 6, 2025.
HED is a not for profit, locally owned municipal electric utility, governed by a five-member Board of commissioners, serving approximately 4,350 customers in 11 Vermont towns with approximately 325 miles of transmission and distribution facilities.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
