Washington Electric Co-Op - East Montpelier, Vermont

Washington Electric Cooperative: An Overview

Washington Electric Cooperative (WEC) is a rural electric utility serving members in Vermont and New Hampshire. Established to provide reliable and affordable electricity to its service area, WEC operates as a consumer-owned cooperative, meaning its members are also its owners. This structure emphasizes a commitment to member service and community involvement. The cooperative’s primary focus is on delivering electricity to homes and businesses, ensuring a consistent and dependable power supply. It distinguishes itself through a dedication to responsiveness and a pro-active approach to infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.

Location and Contact Information

WEC’s headquarters are strategically located at 40 Church St, East Montpelier, VT 05651, United States. This central location allows for effective management and communication with its members. For immediate assistance or inquiries, members can contact WEC directly through their dedicated phone line: Phone: 8022235245. The cooperative’s website, washingtonelectric.coop, provides a wealth of information, including outage reporting, billing details, and important updates. It’s a valuable resource for all members and prospective customers.

Specialties and Services

WEC specializes in the provision of electric utility services to its member-owners. Beyond simply supplying power, the cooperative emphasizes reliability and strives to minimize service interruptions. They handle all aspects of electricity distribution, from generation to final delivery. Furthermore, WEC is committed to maintaining a modern and safe electrical grid. Recent investments have been made to improve infrastructure and enhance the overall quality of service. A key aspect of their operations is a dedication to upgrading equipment and ensuring it meets current safety standards. The cooperative also offers various programs designed to promote energy efficiency and conservation among its members. These initiatives are aimed at reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.

Accessibility Features

WEC demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity by offering several accessibility features. The cooperative’s office is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can easily visit and conduct business. Additionally, the main entrance to the facility is also wheelchair-accessible, further enhancing accessibility for all members. These efforts reflect a genuine desire to serve the entire community, regardless of individual needs. The cooperative understands the importance of equal access and strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

Customer Feedback and Reputation

Based on publicly available reviews, Washington Electric Cooperative has garnered a mixed reception. Google My Business indicates that the company has received 43 reviews, offering a diverse range of perspectives on the cooperative’s operations. While the average opinion is 2/5, this figure represents a broad spectrum of experiences. Some members have highlighted the low outage rates as a significant positive, emphasizing the reliability of the service. However, a recurring theme among certain reviews suggests concerns regarding pricing, potentially compared to other providers in the region. The responsiveness of customer service has been noted as a strength by some, with individuals praising the helpfulness of the support team. Conversely, others have expressed dissatisfaction with response times. The cooperative's willingness to undertake upgrades, such as transformer replacements, without charging fees is also frequently cited as a beneficial aspect of their service. The cooperative's proactive approach to issues, like addressing potential problems with electric vehicle charging, demonstrates a commitment to anticipating and resolving member concerns.

Key Considerations for Potential Members

When considering Washington Electric Cooperative, potential members should carefully evaluate their specific needs and priorities. While the cooperative boasts a strong track record of reliability and responsive customer service, it's crucial to compare rates with other providers in the area. The concern regarding pricing appears to be a significant factor for some members. Furthermore, members should be aware of the cooperative’s structure as a consumer-owned entity, which inherently prioritizes member interests. WEC’s dedication to infrastructure improvements and accessibility features are additional positive aspects to consider. The cooperative’s commitment to maintaining a modern and safe electrical grid is noteworthy, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to utility management. The cooperative’s focus on energy efficiency programs can also help members reduce their energy consumption and lower their bills. Ultimately, a thorough assessment of WEC’s offerings and a comparison with alternative providers is recommended before making a decision.

👍 Reviews of Washington Electric Co-Op

L.Rōen P.

4/5

Little or no outages, but nearly 2x more expensive than Hardwick Electric? Why? We are right on the border and if I had the choice, I'd switch tomorrow on cost alone. That being said, they are responsive and customer service is on the ball, if you call. They upgraded our transformer for free which is great--but they originally weren't sure if the extra-load from an EV would blow it, which it did not. Overall, reliability and professionalism are notable.

Kevin (.

5/5

We are new here, but I have to tell you, given these horrible reviews, these folks have exceeded our expectations. When we opened our account, they provided all the instructions needed.

They stated power would be on in 3 business days. That was wrong. The following day, we had a Nor'Easter, and they had the power on in 2 days, not 3. That's with a major storm to clean up from. My new neighbors also report not having problems with them too.

So, if you're new to this area of Vermont like us, I wouldn't take these negative reviews too seriously.

Jo C.

1/5

Our family feels personally victimized by this company. They have unrealistic and unlivable prices for absolutely terrible service. We lose electricity so frequently that it has become a running joke. We are a single income family that tries desperately hard to be conscious of our electric usage and yet our monthly bills are simply unaffordable. In an effort to provide any kind of relief for my family, we attempted to get solar panels to which were told that WEC is the absolute WORST in accommodations for solar panels. They weren’t wrong…instantly denied by WEC. So not only are we not allowed to switch out of this horribly corrupt company, we had to pay to get in it, and they get to continue to raise prices each year more than most electric companies in the state. If I could give zero stars I would.

Conor G.

1/5

I don't know if it's greed or ineptitude that's produced the current day WEC service but either way, this is the least reliable energy provider I've had the displeasure of interacting with. There is no amount of pride in being "customer owned" that will ever make this lack of service acceptable.

I understand the aging Vermont power grid is highly susceptible to downed limbs on power lines. However, the complete failure to provide fast or effective responses to outages rests squarely on the shoulders of WEC leadership.

Steve D.

1/5

Aside from all the obvious frustrations of losing power, the reiterations of the people below this review, losing power to a "squirrel" "crossing the line" for 2.5 hours is ridiculous.

WEC needs to spend more money when it's not storming, snowing, and raining, to properly manage power lines in rural areas. Wet snow doesn't lean trees on power lines, if those trees/limbs are cutback before the wet snow.

M

1/5

Highest rates ever, 15% increase blamed on others electing to go with solar, power has been out for 5 days currently. No plan to handle storms. Even when clear skies, we still lose power once a month.
This co op needs to sell to an outfit that is better equipped to handle Vermonters electricity needs. Worst electric service I've ever experienced.

John T.

1/5

service is lousy. three straight years i have sat in the dark after small snow storm. they obviously dont take the time to maintain their lines.

Kelsey R.

1/5

Highest rates in the state of Vermont, but most frequent and longest duration of outages per member, plus they have demonstrated borderline negligent levels of storm preparedness. WEC - if you aren't able / equipped to handle the 'rural, hard to reach' (their favorite excuse) areas you are charged with providing / maintaining an essential service for, please sell the company. (And get a grip with your stance on solar / net metering - your incompetence as a company is what's driving the need for back-up energy storage in central Vermont)