Grassroots Government Advocacy Committee
Agencies Seek Help on Siting Solar projects
State agencies are pursuing further information from the Public Utility Commission on qualifying circumstances regarding “preferential treatment” of new renewable energy rules recently implemented. Net metered solar projects capable of producing more than 500 KW must be built on dedicated “preferred sites.”
“What precisely defines a preferred site isn’t clear, according to a request that the Natural Resources Board, the Department of Public Service and the Agency of Natural Resources recently submitted to the Public Utility Commission. The three agencies have asking for a workshop to define the term.”
See below for more information on the net metered solar projects and a link to the article:
https://vtdigger.org/2017/12/22/agencies-seek-help-siting-solar-projects/
http://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/41
http://puc.vermont.gov/electric/net-metering
Previously reported:
https://vtdigger.org/2016/09/02/psb-finalizes-new-net-metering-rules/
Bennington Energy Plan Moves Ahead Despite Developer’s Warnings
Brad Wilson, a developer for Ecos Energy, is arguing that two proposed 27-acre parcels allotted for solar arrays does not meet municipal plan standards. This effort is part of a town goal to meet 25 MW of solar energy capacity by 2050.
Under current rules, he said, “commercial-scale solar facilities (above 150-kilowatt capacity) are not prohibited on these properties, and the property owner has the right to propose commercial-scale solar facilities that are in compliance with relevant state/local rules and regulations.”
“If certified by the board and the Bennington County Regional Commission, the town’s energy section is in line to become the first municipal plan to be approved under Act 174, legislation designed to allow communities more influence over the siting of energy facilities if they adopt a comprehensive local plan.”
See below for a link to the original article and proposed 28-page amendment to the town plan:
https://vtdigger.org/2017/11/27/bennington-energy-plan-moves-ahead-despite-developers-warnings/
http://benningtonplanningandpermits.com/permits/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/PC-11062017.pdf
GMP Rates to Rise 5 Percent
A 5% rate increase has been approved for Vermont’s largest electric utility. An agreement was reached between Green Mountain Power and the Department of Public Service.
“GMP initially filed for a 4.98 percent effective rate increase for 2018, and said the rate increase was needed to pay for increased transmission costs, for increases in electricity costs from the regional grid, and for increased costs associated with Vermonters’ growing reliance on small renewable-energy generators.”
“One of those changes removed from GMP’s ‘rate base’ (the value of all capital assets against which GMP’s rate of return is calculated) several large projects that combined solar generators with battery storage.”
See below for a link to the original article and GMP rate archive:
https://vtdigger.org/2017/12/22/gmp-rates-rise-5-percent/
https://www.greenmountainpower.com/rates/
US Government Affairs Updates
(as reported by ASHRAE.org, partial listing)
- FY2018 Federal Funding Extended Through Dec 22.
- S. Department of Energy Requests Input on Energy Conservation Standards.
- S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology Holds Hearing on Solar Energy Technology.
Refer to the following link for additional information on the above topics:
Greg Deutscher
GGAC Committee Member