RENEWABLE ENERGY VERMONT
Renewable Energy Vermont Statement on Final Draft Net Metering Rule
Public Service Board Expands some Customers Clean Energy Choices, Protects Existing Solar Customers

"Net metering is a critical tool to help Vermonters reduce their climate impact through renewable energy.  Recognizing the tremendous benefits of renewable energy to our climate, environment, and local economy, Vermont's Public Service Board issued a path forward for electricity customers to choose clean energy through net metering. 

Local utility caps have held back some Vermonters from investing in their own energy independence and renewable energy.  The new rule eliminates those caps, expanding access for customers who were previously blocked out of net metering.  More individual customers will now be able to go solar next year. 

Residents within Green Mountain Power's territory can still access 2016 net metering rates through the end of this year.  Folks who wait to go solar until next year will receive slightly lower electric bill credits.  Vermonters can visit www.revermont.org/vrebl/ to find a local solar installer.

Under the rule, new residential, commercial, and community solar net-metering customers may still receive electric bill credits slightly above average utility retail rates for projects located on rooftops, brownfields, or previously developed properties.  Existing net-metering customers may still receive bill credits to cover new non-bypassable utility fees for a period of 10 years after their systems were installed.  Net-metered residential and commercial solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power remain good investments and good deals for Vermonters.

The rule also increases town's involvement in net-metered renewable energy project permitting and requires renewable energy credits (RECs) to be retired by Vermont utilities to help meet the state's clean energy goals.

Revisions made by the Public Service Board to improve the final draft rule will aid Vermonters continued climate leadership."

Renewable Energy Vermont represents businesses, non-profits, utilities, and individuals committed to reducing our reliance on dirty fossil fuels by increasing clean renewable energy and energy efficiency in Vermont.  Vermont's clean energy economy supports at least 17,715 sustainable jobs, representing approximately 6% of Vermont's workforce.  Together, we will achieve 90% total renewable energy (electric, thermal, transportation) by 2050 in order to reduce climate pollution.