EAN 2026 Summer Research Internship Program
Energy Action Network (EAN) is pleased to announce our 2026 Summer Research Internship Program. Applications are due March 1, 2026 for college students (rising juniors and seniors in 2026) and 2026 college graduates excited by EAN’s mission of achieving Vermont’s climate and energy commitments in ways that create a more just, thriving, and sustainable future.
EAN (the non-profit) was founded in 2012 to serve as a “backbone” organization for EAN (the Network), a broad and diverse collection of over 200 member organizations and public partners who are committed to helping Vermont achieve climate, clean energy, and energy justice goals. EAN’s work is done in a “collective impact” framework, supported by a Board of Directors and core staff. Serving as an Intern will provide an impactful opportunity to engage with and help inform future actions on climate, clean energy, sustainability, and energy affordability in Vermont.
Internship Areas of Focus
Two Summer Research Interns will be selected for 2026. Each Intern will develop and carry out a research and writing project directly related to the ongoing work of EAN. Applicants are encouraged to review previous Intern research projects on the EAN website and the 2025 Annual Progress Report for Vermont. Examples of possible internship projects that have been identified and prioritized by EAN for 2026 are provided below.
Bidirectional Charging: Preparing Vermont for an Emerging Technology
As EV adoption increases and demand on the electricity grid rises, this project will involve researching what other states are doing to accommodate emerging bi-directional EV charging technology. Likely questions to address will include: What is the current state of bi-directional technology and what are expected timelines for its deployment and use? What standards, policies, regulations, and programs have been (or are being) developed elsewhere to enable Vehicle to Home (V2H) and Vehicle to Grid (V2G) capabilities and benefits? What opportunities, challenges, and key questions does this emerging technology present for Vermont?
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- Intended audience: Utilities, policymakers, Network members
- Results/impact: Help Vermont energy leaders be aware of and “ahead of the curve” in leveraging an emerging technology that can reduce peak electricity demand and reduce costs for ratepayers.
Flexible Load Management
Flexible Load Management is the practice of reducing electricity demand during periods of peak usage – when the power supply tends to be more expensive and less clean. Load management strategies include energy efficiency, microgrids, energy storage, vehicle to grid, rate design, and direct load control by utilities. This project would examine what programs and policies exist in Vermont to support flexible load management. It would also address what other states have done to set goals for energy storage and flexible load management targets and what policies are in place or are being considered to help attain those goals.
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- Intended audience: Network members, decision-makers in the policy and regulatory space, utilities
- Results/impact:Summarize the status of FLM policies and programs in VT and identify relevant policies and programs in other states and utility territories for consideration in Vermont.
What do Vermonters know about and prefer for their energy options?
Vermont electric, gas, and energy efficiency utilities periodically survey their customers to assess their knowledge of, opinions about, and preferences for various energy supply, energy efficiency, battery storage, and related options. This project will focus on obtaining, reviewing, and collating information from recent surveys conducted around Vermont that assess customer views about energy options and preferences. The survey methodologies used will be explained and survey results will be described. This project will include describing customer preferences. For example: what do customers say they want and what are the barriers for Vermonters to implement energy efficiency and clean energy projects? Information will be obtained and shared on how results of the surveys have been (or will be) used by utilities to enhance existing programs and potentially launch new ones.
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- Intended audience: Network members; customer-facing energy businesses, organizations, and networks; utilities
- Results/impact: Summarize what is known about Vermonters’ understanding and preferences regarding their energy options, with a focus on understanding challenges and opportunities to increasing adoption of energy efficiency and clean energy options.
The project ideas above have been identified by the EAN Team as especially timely, relevant, and valuable for 2026. Applicants should indicate which of these project ideas are of interest to them. In addition, applicants may choose to offer one or more other project ideas (not listed above) for consideration by EAN. The project ideas will be discussed in further detail during the interview process. The final decision of which project to focus on will be made during Week 1 of the Internship.
Work Environment
This internship will be conducted remotely, with most meetings happening via video call. If practical, there may also be one or two in person meetings at the EAN office in Montpelier. In addition, office space may be available if Montpelier is convenient for the Intern(s).
Team Engagement
Both Interns will be mentored and supported by Christine Donovan, a career-long clean energy and climate professional, EAN Senior Fellow, and former EAN Board Member. This will be supplemented by periodic team engagement and interaction with: Jared Duval, Executive Director, Cara Robechek, Deputy Director and Network Manager, and EAN’s Data Manager & Research Analyst.
At least 3 one-hour Zoom teleconferences will be held with the Interns each week. This will help ensure the Interns are welcomed into EAN, experience thoughtful and substantive discussions and interactions with Christine and staff, and enjoy a sense of teamwork and engagement during their internships. In addition, Christine will be available via cell phone for consultation, brainstorming, etc. at any time during normal business hours. Christine will engage EAN staff and others as appropriate.
Required Qualifications
- College students who are rising juniors and seniors in 2026 and/or 2026 college graduates
- GPA of 3.3 or higher
- Passion for helping lead the transition to a clean energy, decarbonized economy
- Demonstrated research, writing, and verbal communication skills
- Prior course work, internships, or employment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean transportation, climate action, or related sustainability issues
- Successful experience working independently and producing pre-determined final products on time and with a high-level of professionalism
- Reliable access to the internet
- Proficient with Word, Excel, and Power Point
Desired Qualifications
- Prior course work that involved conducting quantitative analysis
- Interest in using quantitative analysis as a basis for assessing clean energy options
Application Process and Schedule
Please send a cover letter, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a 3-to 5-page writing sample by midnight ET on Sunday, March 1 to: Christine Donovan at ctdonovan@aol.com . Interviews will be conducted via Zoom during the weeks of March 9 and 16. All applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, April 3.
Stipend
A $5,000 stipend is available for each of two Summer Interns for a 10-week internship beginning Monday, June 8 and ending Friday, August 14. Interns should anticipate about 25-30 hours of activity each during Weeks 1 through 6, increasing typically to about 40 hours of activity each during Weeks 7 through 10.
EAN is an equal opportunity employer.