Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves Minor Amendment to Solar Project in Brighton

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has resolved an objection to a minor amendment to a solar project in Brighton, Vermont, allowing the project's developer, CRB Solar, LLC, to implement the changes. The proposed amendment involves adding a pad-mounted grounding transformer, shifting the location of the interconnecting utility's meter pedestal and transformer, removing the secondary containment system from the transformer, and installing a k30.3 vault underneath the transformer. The commission found that the amendment meets the requirements for a minor amendment, as it does not increase the project's capacity, change its fuel source, or result in a significant impact under the Section 248 criteria applicable to net-metering systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission (Commission) issued an order on March 12, 2024, resolving an objection to a minor amendment to a solar project in Brighton, Vermont.
  • The proposed amendment was submitted by CRB Solar, LLC, the developer of the 500 kW ground-mounted solar net-metered system, which was issued a certificate of public good (CPG) by the Commission on March 18, 2022.
  • The amendment involves installing a pad-mounted grounding transformer, shifting the location of the VEC meter pedestal and transformer, removing the secondary containment system from the transformer, and installing a k30.3 vault underneath the transformer.
  • The Commission found that the amendment meets the requirements for a minor amendment, as it does not increase the project's capacity, change its fuel source, or result in a significant impact under the Section 248 criteria applicable to net-metering systems.
  • The amendment was subject to the net-metering rule that was in effect at the time it was filed on January 11, 2024.
  • The Commission's order states that the amendment is considered minor because it does not meet the conditions for a major amendment, namely increasing the project's capacity, moving the limits of disturbance by more than 50 feet, changing the fuel source, or proposing any other change likely to have a significant impact under one or more of the Section 248 criteria applicable to net-metering systems.

Statistics:

  • The solar project in Brighton, Vermont, has a capacity of 500 kW.
  • The amendment was proposed by CRB Solar, LLC, on January 11, 2024.
  • The Commission issued an order on March 18, 2022, granting a CPG to the project.
  • The amendment was subject to the net-metering rule that was in effect at the time it was filed on January 11, 2024.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 24-0091-PET, Request of CRB Solar, LLC for minor amendment to CPG #18-1183-NMP, Order entered: 03/12/2024.
  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 22-4970-PET, Order of 12/27/22.
  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 23-1916-PET, Order of 8/1/23.
  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 24-0072-PET, Petition for extension of commissioning deadline.