VELCO is Vermont’s statewide electric transmission provider whose sights are set on creating a sustainable Vermont through our people, assets, relationships and operating model. Formed in 1956 when local Vermont utilities established the nation’s first “transmission only” company to access clean hydro power from New York, VELCO remains unique in two important ways: 1. Our ownership comprises the state’s 17 distribution utilities and a public benefits corporation; and, 2. our for-profit status is structured to return cooperative-like value to our owners, their customers, and every Vermonter. VELCO’s system now includes: 740 miles of transmission lines; 55 substations, switching stations and terminal facilities; 13,000 acres of rights-of-way; a statewide emergency service radio system; and, a 1,600-mile fiber optic network that monitors and controls the electric system and helps to deliver broadband services to Vermonters. Headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, VELCO employees strive to give Vermont’s utilities and their customers a reliable high-voltage grid, a strong unified voice on regional energy issues, and continued access to safe, reliable, cost-effective electricity.