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Burlington Electric Department
2019–20 Strategic Direction




Safety, Reliability, Community, Innovation

2030 Vision

increasing system resilience.

  • BED defines Net Zero Energy as Burlington sourcing at least as much renewable energy as it consumes in energy for electric, thermal, and ground transportation purposes.
  • We source energy from New England and adjoining states and territories with a strong preference for generation closest to Burlington.
  • For thermal and electric, we will work toward net zero with Burlington residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
  • For transportation, our goal is to make in-city travel net zero, and lower the impact of intercity travel. Air travel is not included at this time.


Make safety the number one focus of everything we do as we pledge to promote safety awareness and commit to continuous improvement.


Maintain and improve the reliability and integrity of the Distribution and Generation systems, and ensure safe and timely restoration of service.


Deliver exceptional customer care, increase engagement, and proactively promote energy programs.


Advance nationally significant energy innovation that reduces fossil fuel use, transforms BED into a utility of the future, and helps achieve the Net Zero Energy City vision.

Strategic Initiatives

Engage Customers and Community

Focus on Customer Care first-call resolution

Develop cutting edge marketing, and web and social media platforms

Create more equitable and accessible programs with a priority given to low-to-moderate income, rental, and first generation American populations

Evolve energy efficiency model to create more customer value and complement greenhouse gas and strategic electrification efforts

Drive more savings and customer engagement through Defeat the Peak

Strengthen Reliability

Update five-year Distribution System and Generation maintenance and upgrade plan to improve safety, reliability and efficiency

Develop Gas Turbine asset maintenance and major overhaul plans

Implement maintenance plan for McNeil, Winooski One and the Distribution System

Continue to automate distribution devices to improve system reliability

Implement and use grid analytics to improve system reliability and efficiency and enable end use technologies

Modernize Core Technology and Business Processes

Upgrade customer, financial, and meter data management information systems and ensure modern, simple, full-function customer care platform

Enhance cyber security capabilities

Promote teamwork, strategic problem solving and lean process improvement

Develop a culture of integrity and support comprehensive learning to enhance employee engagement, knowledge transfer, education, safety and training

Promote Innovation

Maintain quality facilities and use to showcase new technologies

Advance district energy and microgrid projects

Serve more customers through electrification programs across all modes of transportation

Develop dynamic rates to achieve Net Zero Energy goal

Review and implement recommendations from Net Zero Energy roadmap

Develop a Net Zero Energy home program

Launch lawn equipment electrification program

Manage Budget and Risks Responsibly


Ensure compliance with risk, safety and environmental regulatory standards

Update BED Operating Guidelines to align fees and services with current technology

Efficiently and effectively manage procurement of goods and services