Vermont Public Utility Commission Denies Request for Separate-Plant Determination for Decommissioned Solar System

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued an order denying a request from Carey Stoudt to recommission a decommissioned portion of a roof-mounted net-metering solar system in Waltham, Vermont. The system, originally installed as part of a 30.02 kW facility, was later reduced to 14.75 kW and the decommissioned portion is now the subject of a separate-plant determination request. The Commission presumes that two facilities located at the same service address or on the same parcel are a single plant, and therefore denied the request.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission issued an order denying a request from Carey Stoudt to recommission a decommissioned portion of a roof-mounted net-metering solar system in Waltham, Vermont.
  • The system was originally installed as part of a 30.02 kW facility, which was later reduced to 14.75 kW.
  • The Commission presumes that two facilities located at the same service address or on the same parcel are a single plant.
  • The Applicant's request for a separate-plant determination is denied.
  • The case is closed, but the Applicant may still pursue recommissioning the Decommissioned Facility by filing a new registration form.
  • The amended facility would need to include an interconnection approval letter from Green Mountain Power Corporation.
  • The Applicant's actions in decommissioning a portion of the system and seeking to recommission it as a separate plant are subject to the Commission's rules and regulations.
  • The Commission's order is based on the presumption that facilities located at the same service address or on the same parcel are a single plant.
  • The Applicant's decision to decommission a portion of the system may have implications for their ability to recommission it in the future.

Statistics:

  • 30.02 kW: the original proposed capacity of the solar facility at the Facility Location.
  • 14.75 kW: the current approved capacity of the operating facility.
  • 21.24 kW: the capacity of the installed but decommissioned facility (the "Decommissioned Facility").
  • 22 solar modules and 22 microinverters: the equipment comprising the Decommissioned Facility.
  • 8: the number of business days within which a minor amendment to a net-metering CPG is deemed approved.
  • 2/3/23: the date of the Order in Case No. 22-4664-INV, which resolved an investigation into the operation by Carey Stoudt of a 21.24 kW solar array at 139 Schoolhouse Road in Waltham, Vermont, in violation of conditions of the order deeming a certificate of public good.
  • 12/19/19: the date of the Order in Case No. 19-2512-NMR, which established the Commission's policy regarding separate-plant determinations.
  • 139 Schoolhouse Road: the location of the Facility.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission. (2025, August 11). Case No. 25-0291-NMR. Application of Carey Stoudt for a certificate of public good for a 6.49 kW solar net-metered electric power system in Waltham, Vermont. Order entered: 08/11/2025.
  • Investigation into the operation by Carey Stoudt of a 21.24 kW solar array at 139 Schoolhouse Road in Waltham, Vermont, in violation of conditions of the order deeming a certificate of public good, and implementation of a minor amendment without approval. Case No. 22-4664-INV. (2/3/23).
  • Application of Teresem Movement Foundation for a certificate of public good for a 15.0 kW solar net-metered electric power system in Bristol, Vermont. Case No. 19-2512-NMR. Order of 12/19/19.