House declines transmission-cost relief amendment and passes renewable energy bill

The Vermont House of Representatives on March 21 debated amendments to a renewable energy standard and voted down a high-profile amendment that would have let retail electricity providers petition the Public Utility Commission for relief from transmission upgrade costs. Representative Walker (member from Swan), who offered the amendment, said it would protect ratepayers from bearing the cumulative expense of required transmission upgrades triggered by multiple renewable projects.

"What I'm trying to get at is that ... the ratepayers will pay every month and keep paying," Representative Walker said, arguing the amendment would give utilities an option to petition the PUC rather than pass large upgrade bills directly to customers.

The House committee on Environment and Energy recommended the amendment be found unfavorable, with the committee reporting it had tools available to the PUC and concerns that the amendment would change utility-specific standards. Committee member from Dover said the PUC already has practices and the amendment was found "unfavorable by a vote of 9 to 2." The Ways and Means committee also reported the amendment unfavorable on a straw poll.

The roll-call on the amendment recorded 52 in favor and 90 opposed; the nays prevailed and the amendment was not adopted. After disposition of amendments, the bill was read a third time and the House passed the renewable energy measure.

Supporters of the bill emphasized advancing renewables, affordability and reliability while opponents warned about potential costs and technical implications for grid operations. The bill will proceed to the next legislative steps specified by House rules.

Outcome: the amendment to provide PUC petition relief failed on a roll call (52–90); the renewable energy standard subsequently passed on third reading.