Why Hydro?

It's Abundant
Vermont has at least 174,000 kilowatts of undeveloped hydroelectric potential, according to several sources. That's about 22 percent of what the state now uses for power on a routine basis.

It's Clean
Most of the sites constituting this additional capacity are classified as "mini-hydro" – under 1000 KW. This hydro could be developed at existing dam sites with no additional environmental impact to rivers.

It's Local
The development of this hydroelectric capacity in Vermont would offset the burning of more than 1 million barrels of oil.

It's Economical
Each kilowatt of hydroelectric capacity can, on average, produce 4,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. The average price in 2005 in New England was 7.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. So, for example, a 100 KW hydro site would generate $30,000 in income anually at wholesale rates.