by Miro Weinberger
There is so much more to be done to create new sources of renewable energy and decarbonize the regional grid and economy. There are billions of federal dollars available for states that are focused on getting to Net Zero, creating green industries, and cutting costs for their residents.
The state can create Vermont jobs, reduce transportation and heating costs, and eliminate Vermont emissions by:
Strengthening the Renewable Energy Standard (RES) to get to 100%: Burlington achieved 100% renewable energy in 2014, and since 2019 has been working on a path to achieve Net Zero Energy by 2030. It is time for Vermont to do the same, the new RES should: Emphasize the benefits and importance of renewable energy that is generated in-state and in New England; Keep rates as low as possible and not over-burden ratepayers; and Treat Tier 3 incentive requirements as a minimum, not a maximum, investment in energy transformation.
Capture and Leverage Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Rebates for Low/Moderate Income Vermonters: The IRA is the greatest investment in energy transformation in history. BED and the City have taken numerous steps to increase local awareness, as have other utilities. Complementary state action would help ensure these programs are accessible and available to eligible Vermont consumers and contractors.
Advance Wind Energy in Vermont: For utilities like BED to meet future electricity demands from new, local renewable energy sources, we cannot get the job done with solar alone, and energy from offshore wind remains inaccessible to most Vermont utilities. It is time for the Legislature to put wind energy back on the table as an option for Vermont’s energy mix.