The bill S.57 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 for standard offers, increasing the cumulative capacity limit from 127.5 MW to 227.5 MW, and adjusting the annual capacity increases. The annual increase will start at 5 MW for the first three years, rise to 7.5 MW for the next three years, and then increase to 20 MW starting April 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that allocates awards specifically for solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants, with a designated capacity for community solar projects.

Other notable changes include the deletion of specific provisions regarding the reservation of capacity for different types of developers and the introduction of a price cap for projects based on the highest-cost solar project from the previous year. The bill also emphasizes the importance of providing information about transmission constraints to developers and establishes a framework for the Commission to ensure timely development at the lowest feasible cost. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 30-8005a