REV2025: How Three Vermont Utilities Achieve Affordability and Reliability on Their Way to 100% Renewables
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 – 1:15 to 2:15 p.m.
Sponsored by EastRise Credit Union
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With the cost of electricity a rising concern for policy makers and regulators, three Vermont utilities detail their efforts to ensure that power remains affordable
Moderator: Anthony Iarrapino, Wilschek Iarrapino Law Office, PLLC
Attorney Iarrapino works with non-profits, entrepreneurs, businesses, and individuals to advance their interests in a wide variety of civil litigation matters, commercial and real estate transactions, and estate planning. Anthony entered private practice in 2015 after a decade of service as a public-interest lawyer at the Conservation Law Foundation and other organizations, representing environmental and public health causes in federal and state courts, before administrative tribunals, and as a lobbyist before the Vermont General Assembly and the U.S. Congress.
Speakers
Sarah Elise Braese, General Manager, Hardwick Electric Department
Sarah Elise Braese is the General Manager of the Hardwick Electric Department. She was previously the Assistant General Manager for the Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA), where she was responsible for managing regulatory and power supply services, developing and presenting the Authority’s regulatory position, and managing VPPSA members’ Renewable Energy Standard compliance. Prior to VPPSA, Sarah worked in a variety of operational, project management, membership, and training roles with regional trade associations serving electric utilities, including the Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA) and Energy Council of the Northeast (ECNE).
Darren Springer, General Manager, Burlington Electric Department
Darren Springer is the general manager of Burlington Electric Department. During Darren’s tenure, Burlington has been named the top city in the east/northeast for solar per capita in 2022 by Environment America, and launched dozens of new strategic electrification incentive programs, policies, and initiatives to help Burlington Electric Department customers switch from fossil fuel to clean electric technologies in the heating and transportation sectors. Prior to joining BED, Darren served as Chief of Staff for the Office of Governor Peter Shumlin. Before working in the Governor’s Office, Darren was appointed as Deputy Commissioner at the Vermont Public Service Department, leading the advancement of the 2014 net metering law and 2015 renewable energy standard.
Andrea Cohen, Leader of Government Affairs and Member Relations, Vermont Electric Cooperative
Andrea Cohen serves on the Senior Leadership Team of Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) as Leader of Government Affairs and Member Relations, where she champions policies and partnerships that advance clean energy and deepen member engagement across Vermont’s rural communities. She brings over three decades of experience at the intersection of environmental stewardship, economic justice, and stakeholder collaboration. Prior to VEC, Andrea was Executive Director and Public Policy Manager at Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), helping shape policy on climate, healthcare, and equity. Earlier, she spent 16 years at the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources in roles focused on pollution prevention, resource conservation, and solid waste management. Andrea holds a Master’s in Environmental Science from Antioch University New England and a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Economics from Vassar College.