Bill > H0609

This bill proposes to allow fire districts to establish and operate thermal energy exchange networks, which are systems that use piped fluids to transfer heat for heating and cooling purposes to multiple buildings not commonly owned. It also clarifies that the Public Utility Commission, a state agency that oversees utilities, has jurisdiction over entities, other than municipalities, that operate these thermal energy exchange networks. The bill defines a thermal energy exchange network as the infrastructure that supplies thermal energy to more than one household, dwelling unit, or group of buildings, with certain exceptions for entities like mutual benefit enterprises or landlords serving their own tenants. Furthermore, it allows any person or company to petition for a certificate of public good to operate such a network, while also granting existing utilities with electric or natural gas service authority the ability to operate thermal energy networks. The bill explicitly states that municipalities and fire districts established for this purpose can construct, operate, and finance these networks without needing a certificate of public good or approval from the Commission.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.609