Preventing Transformer Overloads and Building a Foundation for Grid-Aware DER Management

Challenge

Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC), a member-owned utility in northern Vermont, is preparing for a future of increased electrification. The utility is already seeing rapid growth in distributed energy resources (DERs), particularly EVs and community-scale solar, and expects peak demand to double by 2040.

This growth poses a costly challenge: analysis showed that 30–40% of VEC’s distribution transformers, lines, and substations could become overloaded—requiring an estimated $80–100 million in grid upgrades. As a not-for-profit cooperative, those costs would strain both rates and resources.

VEC wanted to find a smarter path forward. Instead of relying solely on capital upgrades, the team sought practical, scalable approaches to manage flexible, grid-connected resources and make better use of the infrastructure already in place.

Solution and Approach

To address this challenge, VEC partnered with Camus Energy to build a foundational platform for grid-aware flexibility—starting with transformer-constrained EV charging. The pilot used forecasted meter-level loads, AMI-based EV detection, and direct control of ChargePoint chargers to reduce charging rates during periods of high transformer loading.

With over 22,000 transformers systemwide, VEC had already replaced more than 50 due to EV-related overloading—and the number was climbing. The pilot demonstrated how dynamic charging could protect infrastructure and avoid further strain on supply chains and staff time.

"Everyone sees a consistent view of the grid and makes decisions based on the same integrated datasets. We believe intelligent DER management will be an integral part of future grid operations, and the platform can enable that.” - Cyril Brunner, Innovation & Technology Leader, Vermont Electric Cooperative

Result: Successful Demonstration of Grid-Aware DER Management

Over five days, VEC and Camus successfully managed residential charging rates to stay within transformer limits—while still delivering a full charge by morning. A coordinated demand response event layered on top confirmed the platform’s ability to support both local and system-level signals. The member noticed no impact.

The pilot showed how VEC can manage growing DER adoption without costly upgrades—starting at the transformer level and scaling over time.

Value from Camus

With Camus, VEC now has a tested data foundation for grid-aware DER management across a range of use cases:

• Real-time and forecasted transformer loading
• Grid-aware DER control for equipment upgrade deferrals
• Flexible interconnection of generation or large loads

This early success sets the stage for broader grid orchestration—from EVs and batteries to solar and large-scale load flexibility.

Check out the full story

Read the full blog for a behind-the-scenes on our work with VEC.