Rutland Negotiates Agreement, Now Supports GMP-CVPS Merger

(Host) City officials in Rutland have come out in favor of the proposed merger of Central Vermont Public Service and Green Mountain Power.  

But as VPR's Nina Keck explains, their support hinges on a new agreement between the city and utilities.

(Keck) One of the big sticking points for the merger - at least in Rutland - has been the threat of lost jobs.  

David Allaire, president of the Rutland City Board of Aldermen, says that prompted a group of local leaders to create a formal document highlighting the city's concerns, as well as how the utility can mitigate them.

(Allaire) "Myself and the board feels much more secure having this agreement in place than not having any kind of agreement in place and just rolling the dice and going up to Montpelier and testifying before of the Public Service Board. I think we took the steps to protect the taxpayers and the citizens of Rutland."

(Keck) The agreement stipulates that any job losses over the years must be proportionate across the state. It cites the creation of two economic development grants for Rutland totaling $200,000.

It also ensures city officials will be involved in helping to create the utility's new "energy innovation center" in Rutland.   

The signed document will now go to the Public Service Board, which begins hearings on the proposed merger this spring.     

For VPR News, I'm Nina Keck