HARDWICK – Electric Department Commissioners appointed Sarah Braese to fill the role of general manager for the rural electric utility at the November 19 regular meeting. She will begin on January 6, 2025.
Braese was also appointed as the utility’s representative to her current employer Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA). Hardwick Electric Department (HED) is a VPPSA member from which it purchases power and receives essential regulatory and management services.
In other business, Eric Remick, the Hardwick select board chair attending the meeting, mentioned a possible location for an EV charger in downtown HardwIck. Interim General Manager Scott Johnstone agreed to investigate the opportunity.
Commissioners Michael Ambrosino and Myles Kamisher-Koch volunteered to review the personnel policies, which all commissioners were encouraged to review and report any changes they recommend.
In financial business, commissioners approved loan documents to fund current expenses with Union Bank and approved a subscription agreement for a note of up to $2M, with Vermont Transco, the limited liability corporation that owns Vermont’s high-voltage electric transmission system. VT Transco provides service to utilities, including HED, that directly serve Vermont homes and businesses. HED agreed to defer acquisition of shares for up to three years to investigate appropriate timing with VPPSA.
Johnstone and Controller and Business Office Supervisor Beth Essary presented information about a capital project loan, but no action was taken.
VPPSA General Manager Ken Nolan and Manager of Power Resources Heather D’Arcy presented information about power supply and battery costs, but no action was taken.
The general manager’s and financial reports were reviewed to end the meeting with no action recommended or taken by the board.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
