IBM wants out of state energy efficiency program

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The IBM plant in Essex Junction wants to opt out of contributing to a state program that promotes the efficient use of energy in Vermont.

IBM government affairs Director John O’Kane says the company can be more efficient if it runs its own program.

O’Kane’s proposal to the Legislature would allow corporations that agree to do at least $1 million a year in energy-efficiency work to opt out of contributing to Efficiency Vermont, a state program funded through a charge on electric bills.

Last year IBM contributed $1.6 million to Efficiency Vermont. The company got 90 percent of it back, but the company says it couldn’t do the work on its own schedule.

State Rep. Tony Klein says he’s inclined to make the change.

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