FirstLight, a company specializing in clean energy production and storage, has announced a power purchase agreement with Burlington Electric Department (BED). This agreement, which began in July, will see FirstLight provide over 54GWh of hydropower from its Shepaug Generating Station in Connecticut to Burlington, Vermont, through 2025. The deal also includes the transfer of associated Vermont Class 1 renewable energy credits.
The agreement supports Burlington’s goal of maintaining a 100% renewable energy supply as part of its broader Net Zero Energy objective.
“We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Burlington Electric Department, supporting this innovative municipal utility as it looks to maintain a 100% renewable power supply as electricity demand grows and the energy transition advances,” said Peter Rider, Chief Commercial Officer at FirstLight. “This collaboration complements BED’s mission to meet the energy needs of its customers in a safe, reliable, affordable, sustainable, and socially responsible manner and advances FirstLight’s mission to accelerate decarbonization.”
Burlington Electric Department has sourced all of its power from renewable energy since 2014. As the city continues to move away from fossil fuels, particularly in heating and transportation, electricity demand is expected to rise. BED is pursuing partnerships like this one with FirstLight to ensure that the city’s energy remains 100% renewable.
“Our new collaboration with FirstLight serves as another example of Burlington Electric Department’s and the City of Burlington’s commitment to continuing to source 100% of our power from a mix of different types of renewable generation while maintaining reliability for our customers,” said Darren Springer, BED General Manager. “As we electrify more of our heating and transportation needs, BED will continue to look for opportunities to source renewable power to meet demand. We are grateful for thoughtful partners like FirstLight, whose reliable, cost-competitive, clean electricity generation supports our climate goals in Burlington and helps to decarbonize the New England grid.”
The Shepaug Generating Station, located on the Housatonic River in Connecticut, is the state’s largest hydroelectric facility and a key source of renewable energy. In addition to generating power, the station creates Lake Lillinonah, a large lake that supports local recreation and wildlife, including bald eagles during the winter months. This agreement will enable BED to supply clean power to over 21,000 homes and businesses in Burlington.
