Rutland
posted
Sep 26, 2012
Downtown Rutland's largest empty and arguably most blighted
property will become the home of Green Mountain Power's new Energy
Innovation Center, a place where the company can work with other
energy providers and customers to develop new customer programs and
choices and learn from a collaborative approach to solving today's
energy challenges.
"I am so pleased that we have secured the former Eastman's
property, which was once a cornerstone of downtown but in recent
years has weighed heavily on it," GMP President and CEO Mary Powell
said. "We will create a place where customers can learn about
energy, generation and the environmental impact of energy
decisions, cutting-edge technologies and new customer programs. The
EIC will help our customers envision a new world of energy
choices.
"We expect to make the Energy Innovation Center the birthplace
of innovative new ideas for the benefit of our customers across
Vermont," Powell said. "This development is also a key component of
the new company's facilities plan to achieve millions of dollars of
savings for customers. In restructuring the number and use of its
facilities the company will achieve customer-focused fast and
efficient operations, as well as reduce the overall square footage
consumed for operations."
Powell said the EIC will be the focal point of GMP's renewable
energy development, including efforts to make Rutland the solar
capital of the northeast, and an information resource for
customers.
Powell was joined by Mayor Christopher Louras and local business
and community leaders as she made the announcement at 1:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 21. Powell said the purchase followed consideration
of numerous other properties, and extended negotiations.
Louras, who headed a city panel that provided input on the site
selection earlier this summer, welcomed the news. "When I think of
the challenges facing downtown Rutland, this building is at the top
of the list," Louras said. "It has been in serious decline for
years. The EIC will be a fantastic addition to downtown, and will
replace a blighted liability with an asset, a building that mixes
historic charm and modern thinking. I could not be happier for the
city, or for the rest of downtown's business owners."
Work has already begun with NBF Architects, a Rutland firm that
played a key role in the restoration of the Paramount Theatre. The
building will include office space, displays and interactive
educational opportunities. The roof will include a heat pump system
and solar, and will be accessible for tours. The company expects to
finalize architectural work shortly before going out to bid for
construction, with hopes of being in the new facility next
fall.
Steve Costello, GMP's vice president for generation and energy
innovation, said the building and location was the clear choice
after looking at myriad options. "The Eastman building has enough
space for staff, customer education and potential co-location of
partners interested in helping our customers make the most of their
energy dollars," Costello said. "Our analysis shows this site to be
the least-cost option, and it will serve us and our customers
extremely well."
EIC staff will move into temporary space in Rutland's Opera
House in November, pending completion of the Eastman restoration.
"We want to get the team all in one place to help quickly
facilitate development of new customer programs and renewable
projects," Powell said.
Green Mountain Power
(www.greenmountainpower.com) transmits, distributes and sells
electricity in the state of Vermont. The company, which serves more
than 250,000 customers, has set its vision to be the best small
utility in America.
