Bill > H0155

This bill proposes to modify Vermont's Standard Offer Program, which provides contracts for renewable energy generation projects, by increasing the total cumulative capacity from 127.5 MW to 227.5 MW and introducing new provisions for solar energy projects. The bill specifically increases the annual capacity increases, with 5 MW for three years starting April 1, 2013, then 7.5 MW for three years, 10 MW starting in 2019, and a new 20 MW increase starting April 1, 2026. It eliminates the previous system of separate blocks for provider and independent developer projects and introduces a new provision starting April 1, 2026 that allocates 2 MW specifically to community solar projects (defined as solar plants owned by their members), with remaining unsubscribed community solar capacity to be allocated to other standard offer plants. The bill maintains the existing provisions allowing certain types of plants like those using agricultural methane to be outside the cumulative capacity limit. The standard offer contract terms remain 10-20 years for most renewable energy projects, with solar projects allowed contracts of 10-25 years. The bill also requires the Commission to set pricing for these renewable energy contracts with a goal of ensuring timely development at the lowest feasible cost. The legislation will take effect immediately upon passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.155