Green Mountain Power and AARP Proposal for Low-Income Pilot Program Approved

  
    
  
  
    
      Green Mountain Power (NYSE: GMP) and the AARP today announced that the 
      Vermont Public Service Board has given approval to a low-income Pilot 
      Program, which would provide a discount on monthly energy charges to 
      eligible low-income customers after Green Mountain Power’s 
      acquisition by Gaz Metro is completed.
    
    
      “As a result of discussions in the regulatory 
      process for our merger agreement with Gaz Metro, Green Mountain Power 
      proposed that $1 million be devoted to fund a three-year Pilot Program 
      to assist low-income customers. We hope the Pilot Program will help us 
      and the state better understand the needs of the low-income community so 
      that we can determine the best, most effective ways to help customers 
      who struggle with their electric bills,” said 
      Chris Dutton, Green Mountain Power president and chief executive officer.
    
    
      Under the Pilot Program, Green Mountain Power will provide a 10 percent 
      discount for participating low-income customers, who would also be 
      protected from disconnection when the weather is expected to be below 
      freezing. The Pilot Program would be available to customers whose annual 
      household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
    
    
      “We’re pleased that 
      the Vermont Public Service Board and Green Mountain Power recognize the 
      positive impact an electric assistance program like this can have on our 
      most vulnerable Vermont households,” said 
      Philene Taormina, AARP Vermont advocacy director. “It 
      represents an important first step in addressing a critical 
      affordability problem facing thousands of Vermonters.”
    
    
      Before the program goes into effect, Green Mountain Power will request 
      the Vermont Public Service Board to modify its alternative regulation 
      plan to implement the Pilot Program. The Board has indicated it would 
      expect to review it expeditiously once filed.
    
    
      Green Mountain Power (www.greenmountainpower.biz) 
      is an electric utility operating company that transmits, distributes and 
      sells electricity and utility construction services in the State of 
      Vermont in a service territory with approximately one quarter of Vermont’s 
      population. It serves approximately 90,000 customers.