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 be set at 5 MW for the first three years, 7.5 MW for the next three years, 10 MW for the following years, and then 20 MW starting in 2026. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision for solar-only allocations, mandating that beginning April 1, 2026, new standard offer awards will be allocated specifically to solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants, with a designated portion for community solar projects.

The bill also includes several deletions and insertions to refine the existing legal framework. For instance, it replaces the previous net metering system reference from section 219a to section 8010, and it repeals certain provisions related to the reservation of capacity for different types of developers. Furthermore, the Commission is tasked with establishing a price cap for projects based on the highest-cost solar project from the previous year, ensuring that the program remains economically viable while promoting renewable energy development. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 30-8005a