Bill > S0057

This bill modifies Vermont's Standard Offer Program, which provides contracts for renewable energy generation projects, by increasing the cumulative capacity from 127.5 MW to 227.5 MW and adjusting the annual capacity increase. The program will now add 20 MW of new capacity starting April 1, 2026, instead of the previous 10 MW. The bill eliminates the previous block allocation system that reserved portions of capacity for electricity providers and independent developers. Starting April 1, 2026, the program will exclusively allocate new standard offer awards to solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants, with two MW specifically reserved for community solar projects (defined as solar plants owned by their members). The bill maintains the existing provisions for plants using methane from agricultural operations and grid-beneficial projects, which do not count toward the cumulative capacity limit. Standard offer contracts will continue to have terms of 10-20 years for most renewable energy types, with solar projects allowed terms of 10-25 years. The Public Utility Commission retains the responsibility for determining pricing mechanisms and contract terms, with an ongoing mandate to set prices that ensure timely development at the lowest feasible cost.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.57