The bill H.155 aims to reauthorize the Standard Offer Program in Vermont, which facilitates the awarding of contracts for the construction of new renewable energy generation projects. Key amendments include changes to eligibility criteria, where a qualifying plant must now not be a net metering system under section 8010, and the cumulative capacity limit for the program is increased from 127.5 MW to 227.5 MW. The annual increase in cumulative capacity will also be adjusted, with a new target of 20 MW commencing April 1, 2026, and specific provisions for community solar projects are introduced.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new section dedicated to solar-only allocations, mandating that starting April 1, 2026, new standard offer awards will be allocated exclusively to solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants, with a minimum of two MW reserved for community solar projects. The Commission is tasked with setting a price cap based on the highest-cost solar project from the previous year and ensuring that any unsubscribed capacity from community solar projects is reallocated to other new standard offer plants. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 30-8005a