§ 8001 - Renewable energy goals - Vermont Statutes

§ 8001. Renewable energy goals

(a) The general assembly finds it in the interest of the people of the state to promote the state energy policy established in section 202a of this title by:

(1) Balancing the benefits, lifetime costs, and rates of the state's overall energy portfolio to ensure that to the greatest extent possible the economic benefits of renewable energy in the state flow to the Vermont economy in general, and to the rate paying citizens of the state in particular.

(2) Supporting development of renewable energy and related planned energy industries in Vermont, in particular, while retaining and supporting existing renewable energy infrastructure.

(3) Providing an incentive for the state's retail electricity providers to enter into affordable, long-term, stably priced renewable energy contracts that mitigate market price fluctuation for Vermonters.

(4) Developing viable markets for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

(5) Protecting and promoting air and water quality by means of renewable energy programs.

(6) Contributing to reductions in global climate change and anticipating the impacts on the state's economy that might be caused by federal regulation designed to attain those reductions.

(b) The public service board shall provide, by order or rule, the regulations and procedures that are necessary to allow the board and the department of public service to implement and supervise programs pursuant to this chapter. (Added 2003, No. 69, § 1, eff. June 17, 2003; amended 2005, No. 61, § 1.)