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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves Special Contract for EV Bus Charging

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved a special contract for electric vehicle (EV) bus charging, allowing Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP) to provide stable electricity pricing to participants in the Electric School and Transit Bus Pilot Program. The contract will provide a generic electric bus charging term contract through July 2023, exempting participants from monthly demand charges and time-of-use rates. The PUC has emphasized the importance of developing contracts and tariffs that encourage the deployment of charging stations while providing cost recovery to the utility.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved a special contract for EV bus charging, allowing GMP to provide stable electricity pricing to participants in the Electric School and Transit Bus Pilot Program.
  • The contract will provide a generic electric bus charging term contract through July 2023, exempting participants from monthly demand charges and time-of-use rates.
  • The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) administers the Electric School and Transit Bus Pilot Program, which provides funding for the purchase of electric buses.
  • The program aims to demonstrate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of deploying all-electric heavy-duty vehicles in Vermont.
  • The four pilot participants include three school districts and one regional transit district, who will pilot electric buses and receive financial support to purchase two electric buses.
  • The term contract will allow GMP to better understand the potential loads placed on the electric system and the potential benefits of managing bus loads.
  • The Commission will require GMP to file a report within six months after the conclusion of the Special Contract term, which will include data on the total number of charging locations and customers, GMP's plans for additional or modified service offerings, and data regarding the degree of coincident peak demand.

Statistics:

  • The term contract will run from December 29, 2021, to July 31, 2023.
  • The participants in the Electric School and Transit Bus Pilot Program include three school districts and one regional transit district.
  • The total number of electric buses to be purchased is 16 (2 buses per participant).
  • The report to be filed by GMP will include data on the total number of charging locations and customers, GMP's plans for additional or modified service offerings, and data regarding the degree of coincident peak demand.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission Case No. 21-4593-SC
  • Green Mountain Power Corporation Cover Letter
  • Vermont Department of Public Service Recommendation
  • Order Establishing Standards and Procedures regarding the filing and Commission review of proposed special contracts pursuant to 30 V.S.A. § 229
  • Report to the Vermont State Legislature: Promoting the Ownership and Use of Electric Vehicles in the State of Vermont (June 27, 2019)

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