The Brattleboro Reformer reports that Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS) has launched a new program to "help address demand and environmental concerns between now and the time new transmission lines are installed along the Southern Loop corridor that runs between Vernon and Cavendish." The program is expected to help CVPS reduce peak power loads.

Large-scale energy users who sign on to the Vermont Reliability Program, "must be able to dial back on their power usage with 30 minutes notice between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. In return, they could earn up to $45,000 a year from Central Vermont Public Service. They can receive that money whether or not they are called upon to turn down their power usage." Notably "to be eligible for the program, industries and commercial users must agree to have advanced metering installed." Advanced meters, or smart meters, "can transmit information every five minutes and help businesses do a better job of tracking their energy usage."

Long Trail Brewery in Bridgewater is one of the companies participating in the program. Seth Wyman, brand marketing manager for Long Trail, explained, "It was really no question for us," said . "The whole goal of improving Vermont's environmental sustainability efforts is a big part of where we are as a company."

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