Matt Rubin

Founding Member, Vermont Independent Power Producers Association

President, Winooski Hydroelectric Co.

Managing Member, Helios Solar, LLC

The energy challenge that Vermont and New England face stems from the fact that we are at the end of every fossil fuel pipeline, with no carbon based resources of our own. Our long-term energy survival would depend on renewable resources, even if climate change were not happening.

We have, as Amory Lovins said, a brief interval of economic calm in which to encourage the orderly development of all sources of renewable electric generation, before the massive economic and social disruptions that will accompany climate change.

Vermont has legislated goals in place, which intend to bring us to the place where 90% of Vermont’s energy is sourced renewably by 2050. All studies show that electrification will have to increase to provide power for transportation and space heating with air source heat pumps.

The reality in Vermont is that hydroelectric power has been almost fully developed, providing about 13% of Vermont’s energy needs. Solar and Wind are the technologies which will have to provide the necessary new megawatt hours.

The transition to renewable sources of electricity is inevitable. We all should join forces to help make this bright future happen.

Matt Rubin at the Winooski One Hydroelectric Project in Burlington, VT. Photo by Dorothy Weicker.