Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP)

Eligible Vermont utility customers can get help with unpaid past due balances that put your account at risk for disconnection. The past due balance must be more than 60 days old for service provided after March 1, 2020. The Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP) can help Vermonters suffering economic hardship from COVID-19 pay their arrearages for residential and non-residential accounts. Apply online now or go to http://publicservice.vermont.gov for more information.

Update: August 19, 2020

To our valued customers and neighbors,

Our number one priority continues to be the health and safety of our staff and community while continuing to provide critical electrical services during this unprecedented crisis. Relying on continued guidance from Federal and State authorities, our office and garage is now accessible to the public by appointment or by coming to our front office door and either knocking or calling 802-253-7215. Anyone entering the building will be required to wear a mask, provide their contact information, answer a brief health survey, and have their temperature taken. Anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms will not be admitted: fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, congestion or runny nose, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

If you have suffered economic hardship due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for assistance with the new Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP). This new grant program can help eligible VT utility customers (both Residential and Commercial) with a portion of the unpaid past due balances (up to the caps established by VCAAP) that put you at risk for disconnection. The past due balance must be more than 60 days old, for service provided after March 1, 2020 for Electricity, fixed-line Telephone services, natural Gas service, and private regulated Water services.

Please note: It is important to file for this grant as soon as possible as the available funds are limited and will be issued on a first-come, first serve basis.

Funding is limited and applications need to be submitted:

Online at https://PublicService.vermont.gov/ or;
At your local community action agency: Economic Services Division District Office - Morrisville, 63 Professional Drive, Suite 4, Morrisville, VT 05661, Phone: 1-800-479-6151 or;
At Capstone Community Action, 197 Harrel Street, Morrisville, VT 05661. Tel: 1-800-639-8710 or (802) 888-7993.

Funds for this program were made available through the Federal CARES Act!

Small business customers should also be aware of expanded loan programs from the Small Business Administration as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). There are programs for loan forgiveness, loan advance, debt relief, and bridge loans. Go to https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options for more information.

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Phone Scam Alert

Customers outside the Stowe Electric Department (SED) service area are receiving scam phone calls regarding payment for their utility bills. Scammers are demanding immediate payment or the utility will cut off their power.

SED has not received information that scammers are targeting the Stowe area. However, if you have been contacted by someone demanding immediate payment or else SED will disconnect your power, hang up and notify us immediately at 802-253-7215.

If you receive calls demanding immediate payment of any utility bill:

Do not provide payment or personal information
Do not engage with the caller
Do not call back the caller
Call customer service to report the scam and any details, including the number the call came from, the caller’s name, and what the caller said; and,

You can report this scam to the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program at 800-649-2424 (in state) or 802-656-3183 or online at https://ago.vermont.gov/cap/.

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Since 1911, Stowe Electric Department has provided reliable electricity and superior service to the community of Stowe. Initially partnered with the Village of Stowe Water and Light Department, the two utilities were split during the merger of the Town and Village in 1996. At that time Stowe Electric became an enterprise division of the Town of Stowe. Even though the utilities were separated, Stowe Electric Department continues to handle the billing services of the Water and Sewer Department.

As of December 1, 2018, Stowe Electric Department serves 4,256 Residential and Commercial customers. Along with a commitment to supplying its ratepayers with clean, reliable energy at an affordable price, Stowe Electric Department pledges to build upon its history of outstanding customer service and support.

In 2012 Stowe Electric Department implemented SmartGrid technology throughout its service territory. The installation of smart meters, a foundational part to any Smart Grid program, allows customers to access their electric consumption via the Stowe Electric website. Data provided by smart meters will help customers make more informed energy related decisions. Keeping current with other advancements in consumer energy technology, Stowe Electric Department installed electric vehicle charging stations. These stations help residents and visitors to our community minimize their carbon footprint.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns related to Stowe Electric Department please feel free to contact us. Feedback is always welcome.

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Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP)