Bill > H0394

This bill proposes several changes to renewable energy regulations in Vermont. It requires that enhanced energy planning at the regional and municipal levels now explicitly incorporate Vermont Conservation Design, which is likely a set of guidelines for preserving natural landscapes. The bill modifies net metering rules by increasing the threshold for more stringent application requirements from 15 to 25 kilowatts and clarifying how multiple independent technical facilities on the same parcel are defined and measured. It limits the Public Utility Commission's review of electric distribution upgrades to only assessing stability, reliability, and public health and safety impacts. The bill creates a new Public Energy Advocate position within the Attorney General's office, who will be responsible for assisting applicants through the certificate of public good process for energy projects and advocating for both applicants and public interests before the Public Utility Commission. Additionally, the bill sets specific timelines for the commission to review energy project applications (12 months for projects 5 MW or less, and 15 months for projects over 5 MW) and requires a report on forest land conversion for renewable energy generation by December 2025. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an initial appropriation of $120,000 to fund the new Public Energy Advocate position.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.394