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Zero Outages Initiative

GMP’s Zero Outages Initiative, also known as ZOI, is our plan by 2030 to keep everyone connected while reducing costs for customers. ZOI accelerates the proactive climate resiliency work we’ve already been doing across Vermont that has succeeded in keeping customers connected - undergrounding lines, storm hardening above ground lines, and energy storage such as home batteries and community microgrids. ZOI will create layers of resiliency across Vermont so you stay powered up, no matter where you live, no matter the weather.

A graphic of what a community power circuit after Zero Outages work could look like

Here’s how it works:

We determine the best combination of solutions for customers in each area by analyzing all of GMP’s 300 circuits.

Machine to put lines underground

Undergrounding

  • Cable in conduit
  • More cost effective than traditional undergrounding
  • Typically in rural residential areas
  • Prevents outages from falling trees
Close-up of a spacer cable on a power line

Overhead Storm Hardening

  • Line design, equipment, and construction techniques
  • Spacer cable, tree wire
  • Prevents damage from falling trees
Boston Terrier dog in front of a Tesla Powerwall

Energy Storage for All

  • Microgrids and Resiliency Zones 
  • Utility scale batteries
  • Home batteries
  • Unique energy sharing lowers costs for all GMP customers

This will keep you connected and drive down storm damage repair costs.

Vermont is seeing more damaging weather due to climate change. More storms will cause more outages, and the rising repair costs that customers pay are unsustainable. The unprecedented string of storms last year did tens of millions in damage – that’s just what it took to get customers reconnected.    

We also know that our approaches work to end customer outages. The initiative is built on techniques we’re already using to boost resiliency for customers, and where we have done this work, customers stayed connected through damaging weather. Our request to regulators is for permission to start this plan and rapidly accelerate this work, investing in proven solutions over the next two years.

Snowy scene with a truck and linemen fixing a down power line in the road
Orange diamond sign that reads 'Utility Work Ahead' on the side of a road
Snowy scene on the road in the woods with a tree down over a power line

More info

You can read GMP’s filing here.

New York Times, Vermont Utility Plans to End Outages by Giving Customers Batteries.

CNBC, Green Mountain Power launches ‘zero outages initiative’ with home batteries.

WCAX, Green Mountain Power vows new plan will end outages.