Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves 17.6 kW Solar Net-Metering System in Ferrisburgh

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued an order approving a 17.6 kW solar net-metering system in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, after resolving an interconnection issue raised by Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP). The Commission found that GMP's interconnection policy, which requires projects to be limited to 15 kW or smaller, is inconsistent with Vermont law and Commission rules. The Applicant, Scott Brace, had filed for a certificate of public good (CPG) for the solar net-metering system, which was deemed issued after the Commission determined that the interconnection issue had been resolved.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved a 17.6 kW solar net-metering system in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, after resolving an interconnection issue raised by Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP).
  • The Commission found that GMP's interconnection policy, which requires projects to be limited to 15 kW or smaller, is inconsistent with Vermont law and Commission rules.
  • The Applicant, Scott Brace, had filed for a certificate of public good (CPG) for the solar net-metering system, which was deemed issued after the Commission determined that the interconnection issue had been resolved.
  • The Commission noted that GMP's responses show that there is adequate headroom at the Vergennes substation to accommodate the Project while still leaving additional capacity.
  • The Applicant has agreed to cover the cost of the distribution transformer upgrade, and the Project must be commissioned within one year of the date of this Order.
  • The Commission's ruling is based on the specific facts of this case and does not rule on the validity of GMP's interconnection policy in general.

Statistics:

  • 17.6 kW: The capacity of the solar net-metering system approved by the Commission.
  • 1230 kW: The approximate capacity of new generation that can be safely interconnected to the Vergennes substation, according to GMP.
  • 1 year: The time frame within which the Project must be commissioned.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Order Resolving Interconnection Issue and Finding Certificate of Public Good Deemed Issued, Case No. 23-0857-NMR, dated 01/26/2024.
  • 30 V.S.A. §248 and 8010. (State law requiring a person to obtain a CPG before beginning site preparation or construction of a net-metering system.)