REV2025: Succession Planning for Renewable Energy Assets: A Case Study in Vermont Hydropower
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 – 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Diamond ii
This panel uses Vermont hydro power as an example of how private owners of renewable energy production assets can plan for ownership succession, including locating buyers and sellers, completing and facilitating due diligence, and executing final agreements.
Moderator: Madeleine Mineau, Chief Operating Officer, Essex Power Services
Madeleine Mineau is the COO for Essex Hydro, owner and operator of 14 small hydropower projects in northern New England. She also is a member of REV’s board, the Board of the Granite State Hydropower Association, Maine Renewable Energy Association, Clean Energy NH, a member of the NH Rivers Management Advisory Committee and is a former chair of the NH Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board. Prior to her work at Essex, Madeleine was Executive Director of Clean Energy NH a non-profit organization that works on clean energy policy, education, and advocacy in NH. Madeleine has a PhD in Aquatic Ecology from Idaho State University and a BA in Biology and Environmental Policy from Colby College.
Speakers
Brandon Boudreau, Fairbanks Mill
Brandon is the owner of Fairbanks Mill, a hydroelectric millwright general contracting company based in St. Johnsbury, VT. Established in 1979, Fairbanks Mill began conducting work in water power in a wide variety of projects, including concrete, site work, carpentry, and landscape construction. Prior to Fairbanks Mill, Brandon worked for TransCanada on the Connecticut River hydro stations for over eight years, while also providing maintenance and repair services to several independent power producers in his spare time.
Hobie Guion, Worcester Hydro
Hobart Guion specializes in energy-efficient, custom residential construction and has won multiple “Best of the Best” awards from Efficiency Vermont. His focus has been on hydro since 2007. Together with his hydro partner, Charlie Wanzer, he has done everything from busting and pouring concrete, replacing electrical components, navigating state and federal officials, and watching the kingfishers, mergansers, otter, and mink who share the river
Arion Thiboumery, Winooski Hydroelectric Company
Arion Thiboumery co-owns and operates 4 small hydroelectric facilities around Vermont. He has a background in natural and organic food products, and a PhD from Iowa State University jointly in Rural Sociology and Sustainable Agriculture.