Green Mountain Power Corp

Independence, Innovation, and Reducing Grid Demand

A405 6A19

Author

AnneMarie DeFreest

AnneMarie DeFreest

School

Champlain College Robert P. Stiller School of Business

Champlain College Robert P. Stiller School of Business

Professor

Lindsey Godwin

Lindsey Godwin

Global Goals

3. Good Health and Well-Being 7. Affordable and Clean Energy 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Summary

Green Mountain Power is revolutionizing how Vermonters get and use electricity. Through partnerships they offer Integrated Innovation Programs that result in cost-savings to customers and a more efficient, intelligent grid. Their motivation comes from being customer obsessed and know that societal costs of carbon emissions are substantial.

Innovation

Green Mountain Power believes in the power of partnerships. Some examples include Tesla and the Powerwall 2, NRG Energy, Inc. and the city of Rutland, VT. which per capita is the Solar Capital of New England. Unlike many of its counterparts, GMP helped expand net metering across its home state. Partnering with its customers, GMP fronts the costs of retrofitting homes with solar and energy efficiency products. Customer energy independence is the goal of this utility.

Independence, Innovation, and Reducing Grid Demand

Inspiration

GMP's CEO Mary Powell innovates from her heart. She believes that without innovation the would could not continue to flourish. She "flattened" the traditional corporate structure and created a customer obsessed "yes" culture. She says it's not about following your dream but following your contribution. She and her team of 550+ balance creative chaos with common cause vision. GMP doesn't do anything that doesn't solve multiple problems and they do it fast, fun, and effectively.

Overall impact

Because of harsh winter conditions, traditional pole and line power that runs off expensive grid systems is volatile. Under the leadership of Mary Powell, CEO of Green Mountain Power, Vermont has a goal of running off of 90% renewable energy by 2050. She could very well get it done by 2030! Through Ebusiness and Ehome GMP is partnering with customers to transform their homes and businesses to use the latest energy technology, reduce energy costs, and be more comfortable. Creating the solar capital of New England in Rutland, Vermont they are powering the city with solar and growing economic opportunity in the process. GMP empowers its customers to go off the grid for increased energy independence and reduced carbon emissions.

Business benefit

This company is in line with the values of Vermonters. Through their fast, fun and innovative way of doing business, they are revolutionizing how Vermonters live in a harsh and expensive climate. Their efforts and partnerships are allowing individuals. businesses and communities to be self-efficient and proactive. Partnering is the way to success in the future. GMP's innovations have earned them B Corp certification and they inspire other Vermonters to care for our planet knowing it takes all of us to make a positive impact on environmental challenges.

Social and environmental benefit

Decentralizes power to individuals, business and communities, lessens on peak demand on the grid, reduces costs of utility overhead and infrastructure, leader in innovation that reduces pollutants and negative environmental stresses.

Interview

Mary Powell, CEO

Photo of interviewee

Business information

Green Mountain Power Corp

Green Mountain Power Corp

Colchester, VT, US
Year Founded: 1893
Number of Employees: 501 to 1000
Excelling a consumer lead revolution, this un-utility is shifting away from the grid by implementing advanced renewable energy technology with a goal of providing 90% renewable energy to its customers by 2030. Green Mountain Power uses energy as a force for good to improve lives and transform communities. They are focused on integrated energy sources that help customers use less energy and save money while continuing to generate clean, cost effective and reliable power in Vermont.