New leadership at Vermont Gas Systems

Don Rendall launched his tenure as the CEO of Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) effective 1 January 2015, promising to bring a new vision and direction to the company. He succeeds Don Gilbert, who retired after 13 years as CEO.

“Natural gas is already a more affordable, cleaner choice for almost 50 000 families, businesses, and institutions in Chittenden and Franklin counties,” said Rendall. “As CEO, I will work to expand the benefits of natural gas to more Vermonters, drive innovation, establish and meet high standards for candor with the public and our regulators, and maintain a respectful, open dialogue with any Vermonter interested in the state’s clean energy future.”

Rendall anticipates a continued emphasis on energy efficiency, an area in which VGS has an award-winning record. “We don’t just deliver natural gas. In fact, our energy efficiency programmes help reduce energy use and emissions, and save our customers more than US$13 million per year – money that can be invested in jobs, education, health care, our families and our communities.”

Rendall said conservation and energy efficiency are both crucial tools for achieving Vermont’s clean energy goals. “The more we are able to conserve, the more we will be able to serve our customers fully and reliably within the state’s goals for renewable and conventional energy,” he stated. “Natural gas is the cleanest of the conventional thermal fuels, and must play an important role in transitioning Vermont to the largely renewable energy future we can all see ahead of us.”

Rendall’s innovative clean energy vision for Vermont Gas includes partnering with renewable energy producers, procuring renewable natural gas for Vermont customers, and speaking up for responsible natural gas extraction and transportation practices. Rendall said VGS is exploring more renewable natural gas options, can back up renewable energy sources as communities transition to ‘microgrids’ and will continue maintaining one of the tightest and most efficient gas distribution systems in the nation.

Furthermore, under Rendall’s leadership, the company will remain committed to bringing natural gas to Addison and Rutland counties. “Our goal is to strengthen Vermont’s economy and environment by giving more Vermont families and businesses the opportunity to choose natural gas and our energy efficiency services,” Rendall said. “Our commitment is to deliver a cost-effective project that will serve the best interests of our customers, our communities and our state. As we move forward, I will share both the project’s opportunities and its challenges openly and honestly.”

Rendall comes to VGS from Green Mountain Power, where he served in several roles since 2002, most recently Senior Vice President of Strategy and Financial Affairs. Prior to that, he practiced law for 15 years as a partner at the Burlington law firm Sheehey Furlong & Behm. Rendall has also served professional and community organisations, including the Vermont Bar Association, where he served as President in 2002; United Way of Chittenden County, where he was Community Campaign Chair (2006) and President of the Board of Directors (2009-2011). He currently serves on the Board of the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce and is a former Chair of that board. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Duke University Law School.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/07012015/new-leadership-at-vermont-gas-systems-17/