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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves 150 kW Solar Group Net-Metering System in Colchester

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved the installation and operation of a 150 kW solar group net-metering system in Colchester, Vermont. The system, proposed by the Town of Colchester, will be located on a preferred site and will promote the general good of the State of Vermont. The Commission has adopted the proposal for decision, which includes findings and recommendations regarding the system's impact on the environment, aesthetics, and public health and safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Town of Colchester has been approved to install and operate a 150 kW solar group net-metering system in Colchester, Vermont.
  • The system will be located on a preferred site and will promote the general good of the State of Vermont.
  • The Commission has conditionally waived review of certain criteria, including need, economic benefit, integrated plan, electric energy plan, waste-to-energy facilities, and transmission facilities.
  • The system will not unduly interfere with the orderly development of the region and will comply with Vermont's statutory setback requirements.
  • The system will be decommissioned at the end of its useful life.
  • The Project will include approximately 380 solar panels, a pad-mounted transformer, underground electrical conduit, and fencing.
  • The Project will be accessed via an existing drive adjacent to the proposed array location.
  • Approximately 0.36 acre of tree clearing will be required to minimize shading impacts on the array and provide a clear right-of-way for the overhead three-phase line extension.
  • Soil disturbance will be limited to tree clearing, trenching for underground conduit, installation of four new poles, and installation of panels and perimeter fence.
  • The soil located at the Project site is mapped as "Adams and Windsor" loamy sands, and 1.7 acres of this soil will be affected by the Project.
  • The disturbance will be temporary as all soil will be classified and piled by soil horizon and replaced in original locations following installation of underground conduit.
  • Construction activities will be limited to hours between 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. on Saturdays.
  • No construction activities will occur on Sundays or state or federal holidays.

Statistics:

  • 150 kW (AC) - capacity of the solar group net-metering system.
  • 380 - number of solar panels to be installed.
  • 8.4 acres - size of the parcel where the system will be located.
  • 0.75 acre - size of the parcel occupied by the solar array.
  • 0.36 acre - size of the parcel requiring tree clearing.
  • 1.7 acres - size of the parcel with Adams and Windsor loamy sands soil.
  • 7:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. - construction hours on weekdays.
  • 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. - construction hours on Saturdays.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission. (2024, January 18). STATE OF VERMONT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION Case No. 23-3628-NMP Petition of Town of Colchester for a certificate of public good.
  • Commission Rule 5.100.

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