AARP Vermont

A recently-released report sponsored by AARP Vermont shows that the Vermont Department of Public Service (DPS), which purportedly represents ratepayer interests, has an inherent conflict of interest and needs immediate reform. The report, closely examines the actions taken by DPS over the past eight years before Vermont’s utility regulators. It finds that, time-after-time, the DPS entered into settlement agreements that were very generous to utilities, not to Vermont’s residential utility customers. The report also found that the Department entered into numerous settlement agreements with Vermont utilities that shifted a considerable amount of financial and regulatory risk away from these regulated electric and natural gas companies and onto ratepayers. The report was prepared by a consulting firm that has participated in over 500 regulatory proceedings in over 20 states for ratepayer advocates around the country.

At AARP, we are all about real possibilities and helping you discover “What’s Next” in life.

Tax season is underway. This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers across Vermont with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Tax-Aide, in its 49th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

At the 50+ and Boomer Expo: Life Reimagined

AARP Vermont shares the following article from the Burlington Free Press regarding pipeline land deal details not disclosed by Vermont Gas Systems.

Nobody thinks much about utility regulation…until it hits their wallet. It’s not a sexy nor easy topic, but is one that impacts about every household and business in the state. When your rates go up or your electricity is interrupted, it gets your attention – but then it’s too late. In Vermont, our gas and electric utility companies are monopolies and the majority of Vermonters are served by for-profit companies. That’s why we regulate them. Unfortunately, ratepayers don’t always get a fair shake in this murky and complex system. They don’t have a voice, unless regulators or advocates stand up for them. Thankfully, our Legislature is finally looking at this issue closely.

Press Statement:

Burlingtonians had a chance to share their opinions and concerns on a host of issues around livability in a citywide survey conducted by AARP Vermont and released today. AARP Vermont held a briefing for Burlington officials, stakeholder groups and the press today to share these research findings from the household survey of 500 residents over age 45. The report is entitled The Path to Livability: A Citizen Survey of Burlington, VT.

Once a year people who are already on Medicare have an opportunity to make changes in how they receive their benefits. If they are on Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), they can sign up for Part D coverage or move to a Medicare Advantage plan. They can also change from one Part D prescription drug plan to a different one. If they have a Medicare Advantage plan they can switch to a different plan.

A recently announced agreement between Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) and the VT Dept. of Public Service (DPS) is cause for concern to anyone who is watching this issue closely -- especially ratepayers! While it proposes to reduce the cost to ratepayers by $20 million, it allows for unforeseen costs and still leaves current VGS customers paying at least $134 million for a gas pipeline that will serve another market altogether. AARP has indicated its opposition to this proposal as well as the obvious attempt to influence the Public Service Board's decision on the larger issue of reopening the project for review. The claims that this project serves the public good for all Vermonters is flawed by a host of measures -- particularly the overall economic benefit which studies show will have a negative impact in the neighborhood of $200 million.