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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Denies Request to Change Renewable Energy Credits

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) has denied a request by Kelly Rooney to change the environmental attribute election for a solar net-metered electric power system in Pownal, Vermont. The PUC issued an order denying the waiver of Commission Rule 5.127(B)(1) on September 25, 2023. Rooney's request was filed on August 2, 2023, to change the initial choice to retain the renewable energy credits (RECs) to instead transfer them to the interconnecting utility, Green Mountain Power Corporation.

The PUC interpreted Rooney's filing as a request for a waiver of Commission Rule 5.127(B). Devlin Contracting, the solar installer, argued that it was unfair to lock Rooney into retaining the RECs when the customer wanted to transfer them. However, the PUC reviewed the filings and found that the registration form was filed on November 10, 2022, with the REC selection made as "Retain Ownership." The PUC stated that a customer's decision on REC election is irrevocable after a certificate of public good has been deemed issued, and Rooney had the opportunity to seek clarification before submitting the registration.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) denied Kelly Rooney's request to change the environmental attribute election for a solar net-metered electric power system.
  • Rooney's request was filed on August 2, 2023, to change the initial choice to retain the renewable energy credits (RECs) to instead transfer them to Green Mountain Power Corporation.
  • Devlin Contracting, the solar installer, argued that it was unfair to lock Rooney into retaining the RECs when the customer wanted to transfer them.
  • The PUC reviewed the filings and found that the registration form was filed on November 10, 2022, with the REC selection made as "Retain Ownership."
  • The PUC stated that a customer's decision on REC election is irrevocable after a certificate of public good has been deemed issued.
  • Rooney had the opportunity to seek clarification from the Commission before submitting the registration.
  • Commission Rule 5.127(B)(1) states that a customer's decision on REC election is irrevocable after a CPG has been deemed issued.

Statistics:

  • 1: Devlin Contracting made the REC selection as "Retain Ownership" on November 10, 2022.
  • 1: A customer's decision on REC election is irrevocable after a CPG has been deemed issued (Commission Rule 5.127(B)(1)).
  • 1: Rooney's request to change the REC selection was filed on August 2, 2023.
  • 1: The PUC issued an order denying the waiver of Commission Rule 5.127(B)(1) on September 25, 2023.
  • 1: The registration form was filed by Devlin Contracting on November 10, 2022, with the REC selection made as "Retain Ownership."

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Order No. 23-2632-PET, Case No. 23-2632-PET, Kelly Rooney request to change the environmental attribute election for CPG #22-4831-NMR, issued September 25, 2023.

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