With contracts providing two-thirds of Vermont’s electric power beginning to expire in the next four years, the future source of Vermont’s electricity was open for examination. To help the state engage Vermonters in discussions about their energy future, the Consensus Building Institute and Jonathan Raab Associates helped lead a statewide public input process, which engaged over 700 citizens from across the state in regional workshops.
The Consensus Building Institute and Jonathan Raab Associates lead the design and implementation of the five regional workshops, which were held in St. Johnsbury, South Burlington, Montpelier, Springfield and Rutland. The workshops included presentations on Vermont’s electricity system, future challenges, and potential options, all of which were developed and vetted by a team including CBI and Jonathan Raab, a Project Advisory Committee, and a Resource Panel. Participants also took part in facilitated group discussions on what they believed were the most significant challenges and promising options for Vermont. Participants also engaged in a keypad polling exercise and responded to questions on a wide range of electricity related goals, issues, and priorities. The workshops concluded with a public comment period.
The purpose of the process was to educate the public about the energy supply challenges facing the state; to gather meaningful and informed public input about values and preferences of Vermonters regarding energy supply; and, by doing so, foster a broader base of public support of the resulting choices. In addition to the public workshops, the process also included a deliberative polling session and online conferences. While the process included extensive outreach and provided multiple fora for participation, there was still a high level of “self-selecting” participants. CBI continues to explore new strategies for engaging diverse stakeholders in important public dialogues.
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