The bill H.394, introduced by Representative Sheldon of Middlebury, aims to enhance Vermont's energy planning and renewable energy generation efforts. It mandates compliance with Vermont Conservation Design in energy planning and narrows the Public Utility Commission's review of electric distribution upgrades to focus solely on stability, reliability, and public health and safety. Additionally, the bill establishes a Public Energy Advocate within the Office of the Attorney General to assist applicants in navigating the process for obtaining a certificate of public good for energy generation facilities.

Key amendments include the requirement for regional and municipal energy plans to align with Vermont's greenhouse gas reduction requirements and the introduction of a new standard for net metering systems, which will now require a minimum deployment of 20 MW per year. The bill also stipulates that the Public Utility Commission must issue decisions on certificate applications within specified timeframes based on the facility's size and limits its jurisdiction regarding the impacts of electric distribution upgrades. Furthermore, it mandates a report on forest land conversion for renewable energy projects by December 15, 2025, and appropriates funds for the new Public Energy Advocate position, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 24-4352, 30-8010, 30-8002, 30-18), 30-248, 3-153