The bill H.278 aims to enhance Vermont's energy resilience by requiring the state's electric distribution utilities and Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) to create and submit a comprehensive report by December 31, 2026. This report will include an electric system map that identifies optimal locations for energy storage facilities and flexible load management initiatives, focusing on maximizing reliability, affordability, community resilience, and sustainability. The report will utilize relevant data to guide public and private investments in energy solutions and will also include a cost-benefit analysis, potential impacts on retail electric rates, and identification of areas that would benefit significantly from energy storage assets.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to ensure that the Clean Energy Development Board utilizes the findings from the newly developed energy resiliency plan to award grants for energy storage facility development in the identified locations. The Department of Public Service is tasked with collaborating with various stakeholders to integrate the report's findings into existing energy plans and present them to the Climate Council for inclusion in the Climate Action Plan. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 30-8015