In 2007, Vermont embarked on a statewide process to gain citizen input on the state’s future electricity choices. This paper discusses the innovative public engagement process choices made by Vermont and its tell-tale polling results. The paper specifically addresses how energy efficiency fared in the public’s responses, and discuss the merits and costs of public engagement on utility matters at a time when resource choices are presenting challenging dilemmas to everyone charged with making and reviewing investments on behalf of utility consumers.