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State energy pathway · Vermont

Start with the energy systems shaping Vermont.

Vermont produces electricity with the lowest energy-related CO₂ emissions of any state, the result of a generation mix that runs almost entirely on hydroelectric, solar, wind, and biomass sources. Efficiency Vermont, established in 1999 as the nation's oldest statewide energy efficiency utility, has built the state's approach around precision measurement. This arrangement—importing most electricity while generating in-state power renewably—raises real questions about grid efficiency and how power reaches homes and schools. Vermont students encounter these real-world conditions and the measurement skills that matter for solving them.

Energy data is from the EIA State Energy Data System, EIA State Electricity Profiles, NCSL State Energy Legislation Database, and state economic development offices.

See why energy matters hereJump to the matched course

Why Energy Matters in Vermont

In-State Generation

Vermont generates nearly all its in-state electricity from renewable sources—51% large-scale hydroelectric, 18% solar, 14% wind, and 16% biomass. Vermont imports roughly three-quarters of its total electricity consumption from neighboring Canadian and U.S. hydroelectric systems via interstate transmission lines. This gap between what Vermont generates and what it consumes is where grid engineers work—measuring electricity use, identifying efficiency opportunities, and managing the systems that keep power flowing.

Efficiency as a Resource

Vermont has also invested heavily in efficiency programs because reducing demand is treated as a real alternative to building more generation. Measuring, verifying, and tracking efficiency gains requires the same data discipline as managing generation. Students who learn to measure energy use precisely gain skills that fit the way Vermont thinks about power — as a resource to optimize, not just consume.

Through the Smart Meter project, Vermont students can measure device-level electricity use and build power plans that apply real efficiency analysis. This measurement-based approach is the foundation Efficiency Vermont, the nation's oldest statewide energy efficiency utility, has relied on since 1999.

Energy data is from the EIA State Energy Data System, EIA State Electricity Profiles, NCSL State Energy Legislation Database, and state economic development offices.

Start here for Vermont

The Smart Meter: Energy Investigation

Vermont uses less electricity per person than any other state, and that success came from decades of precise measurement. Efficiency Vermont, established in 1999 as the nation's oldest statewide energy efficiency utility, built its approach on precision measurement. Students can apply this professional methodology when they build and calibrate smart meters.

Mission spotlight

Data Integrity & Efficiency

Students identify and remove noise from energy measurements to build trustworthy data—the professional standard energy auditors and Efficiency Vermont use when analyzing real power systems. Small measurement errors can lead to wrong efficiency recommendations, which is why precision matters. Students can practice this exactness with their smart meters.

Included in LEA curriculum

Pilot proof

Students enjoy the work because it feels real.

In January 2026, 39 fourth-grade students in Indianapolis completed every lesson from start to finish — coding real pocket computers (microcontrollers), collecting live energy readings, and presenting findings to an audience.

4.6/5

Student enjoyment

72% of students gave it a 5-star rating

100%

Reported learning something new

Every student who took the survey said they learned something new

39

Students completed the entire course

Every student finished all five lessons, coded a pocket computer (microcontroller), and presented findings

Available to book today

Book the support that fits Vermont.

Whether you want to get LEA into the hands of students this semester, plan for a pilot next year, or just learn more about the state-specific approach, you can book a session with our team to get the support you need.

School or district consultation

Review the state-specific entry point, pilot scope, and what implementation would look like for your classrooms.

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Founder-led instruction session

Bring Dr. Naeem Turner-Bandele in to teach a project and show what high-quality facilitation looks like with students.

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Family or community guidance

Get help choosing the right starting point for home learning, after-school use, or a community organization rollout.

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Utility or business partnership call

Discuss local workforce relevance, territory fit, and how we can collaborate to support energy education in your community.

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Find your path

Choose your next step based on how you want to use LEA in Vermont.

Select your path below to see the approach designed for how you will use LEA in Vermont — whether you run a classroom, lead a school, or support a student at home.

Find the right starting point

Schools

Curriculum and professional development for your district

Teachers

Lesson plans and resources for your classroom

Parents

Learn alongside your child with guided family activities

Community

Hands-on energy programs for clubs and community groups

Utilities

STEM outreach and workforce pipeline programs

Businesses

Partner with Latimer Energy Academy to build the energy and technology workforce