Washington Electric Co-Op - East Montpelier, Vermont

L.Rōen P.

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 (.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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)