Dive Brief:
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The Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) has issued an order requiring utilities in the state to procure 75% of the electricity sold to consumers by 2032 from renewable sources.
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The state’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES) stipulates that at least 1% of the resources must come from new, distributed renewable generators, such as net-metering systems, with that amount rising to 10% by 2032.
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The RES also establishes an energy transformation category under which utilities can either invest in projects that directly reduce the fossil-fuel consumption of their customers, through measures like weatherization, the installation of cold-climate heat pumps, or clean vehicle technologies, or procure additional distributed renewable generation.
Dive Insight:
Almost a year ago, Vermont passed a 75% renewable energy mandate that put in the company of other states with high clean energy targets states, such as California and Hawaii.
State regulators have now issued an order implementing Vermont’s legislation.
The implementation of the RES comes in response to Act 56 of 2015, which is slated to take effect on Jan. 1, 2017.
The order details the process for utilities to use in demonstrating their ownership of renewable energy, as well as the types of renewable generation that may be used to meet their obligations.
The Order also addresses the standards utilities must follow in developing energy transformation projects, including how to document fossil fuel reductions and ensure coordination with other state energy efficiency programs.
The current order will be followed by a rulemakings in 2017 and 2018.