Writing Down the Peak!
Write to Green Mountain Power to ask them to create a peak alert system for their customers!
Thank you to 350VT’s Rutland Node for conceiving and leading this letter writing campaign!
We know people are willing to conserve electricity when our energy usage is highest on the hottest and coldest days of the year to make sure polluting peaker plants don’t turn on.
But to truly have an impact and make sure dirty peaker plants don’t turn on, we need utilities to be the ones letting ratepayers know when peaks are predicted and about these opportunities to conserve electricity.
There were 199 reports of peak busting in Vermont from 85 different people.
134 Vermonters Signed up for peak alerts from No Coal No Gas.
Our friends at No Coal No Gas created our own regional alert system; we used it and we showed what was possible.
Will you write Green Mountain Power a letter asking them to inform their customers when a peak is predicted?
Why write to Green Mountain Power? Green Mountain Power is our largest electric utility in Vermont and so has the potential to make the biggest impact. While some utilities in Vermont (such as, Burlington Electric Department) offer customers the opportunity to opt-in for alerts ahead of peak electric usage times so they can conserve when it is safe and possible for them, Green Mountain Power, has no such program.
Here’s How:
1. Write a letter (either by hand, or print it and sign it) via snail mail to Green Mountain Power CEO Mari McClure. (See below for some letter writing tips!)
Main Ask: Please initiate Peak Alerts across the entire GMP customer base. Peak Alerts to all customers will allow for additional load reduction during peak times, so that we can avoid turning on polluting Peaker Plants.
2. Mail it to:
GMP CEO Mari McClure
163 Acorn Lane
Colchester, VT 05446
3. Let us know that you sent a letter! This is important for tracking our impact!
Sample Letter:
Dear CEO McClure,
I’m a Green Mountain Power customer (or concerned Vermonter). I would like GMP to set up a peak alert system that GMP customers can opt into.
This is important to me because _____________________
Include one or two talking points from above.
Thank you CEO McClure for taking the time to read this letter.
I hope Green Mountain Power will take this simple step to creating a more resilient and greener electricity grid.
Sincerley,
Your Name
Talking Points:
Main Ask: Please initiate Peak Alerts across the entire GMP customer base. Peak Alerts to all customers will allow for additional load reduction during peak times, so that we can avoid turning on polluting Peaker Plants.
Supporting Points (consider adding one or two of these):
The battery storage system that GMP has developed over recent years has done a remarkable job of decreasing the demand during peak events. The entire NE grid would benefit if GMP customers were voluntarily conserving at the same time.
It has been documented that folks want to conserve, and will do so when asked.
Vermonters are very aware of climate change, and by and large, are willing to cooperate to lessen the burden on the planet.
An alert system should and can have messaging that makes sure folks are staying safe.
Other utilities in Vermont (Burlington Electric Department) and even California’s Independent System Operator (ISO) have set up alert systems for peak times. GMP could do the same!
Department, customer notification and education has resulted in less demand and financial savings. The Burlington Electric Department Beat the Peak Program saved 400 killowats during a recent 2026 peak day. BED initiates extensive customer education about individual conservation and it pays off, both for the utility (not having to buy more expensive power) and for the customer. BED also donates a portion of the savings to non-profits.
In New England, peaker plants that are called upon to produce power during peak events are expensive to maintain, use dirty fossil fuel to produce the power, and are a health and safety hazard to those living near them.
As a B-Corp, GMP is obligated to consider the impact of decisions on stakeholders, workers, the community and the environment.
It is the responsibility of all of us as planetary citizens to make sure our demands on earth’s systems do not supersede its capacity. The grid of the future must include conservation.
Please initiate peak alerts and education to all!
Letter Writing Tips:
Even if you are not a current customer of GMP, they need to hear from you as a taxpayer and earth citizen.
Keep your letter brief and to the point.
Be polite.