Bill S.65 seeks to amend the jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission in Vermont concerning energy efficiency utilities, with a strong emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring equitable access for all residents and businesses. The bill introduces several key provisions, including the encouragement of energy efficiency programs that explicitly incorporate electrification, energy storage, and combined heat and power systems. It also mandates that programs supporting the efficient use of biological and fossil-based fuels adhere to air quality standards and establishes a new energy efficiency charge focused on greenhouse gas reduction. Furthermore, the bill proposes the creation of independent efficiency entities responsible for developing and monitoring energy efficiency programs, particularly for thermal energy and process-fuel customers, and introduces supplemental funding mechanisms to support these initiatives.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific responsibilities for the Commission and the Department in providing energy efficiency services, mandating equitable service provision with budget allocations of at least 25% for low to moderate-income residential services and 12.5% for small businesses and non-profits. It requires that costs associated with these services be excluded from cost-effectiveness calculations and sets a deadline for proposing a statewide low-income energy efficiency rate by September 1, 2026. The bill also revises criteria for energy efficiency programs to ensure participation from all retail consumers and links compensation for efficiency entities to verified greenhouse gas reductions and energy savings, while removing previous requirements for a statewide information clearinghouse. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 30-209