Sign in Subscribe
Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Grants Extension for Quarterline Wind Project

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved a six-month extension for the Quarterline Wind Project, a 30 kW electric generation facility in Rutland, Vermont, operated by Preston Billings. The extension was granted due to the need for the proposed Bergey Windpower turbine to obtain UL1741SA certification for its inverter. This decision aims to ensure the project's equipment meets the applicable interconnection standards, preventing any adverse effects on the project's financial obligations or operational costs. The commission's five-part test for evaluating extension requests has been satisfied, and no objections were raised by other parties.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission granted a six-month extension for the Quarterline Wind Project's certificate of public good ("CPG") application milestone.
  • The extension was requested by Preston Billings due to the need for the proposed Bergey Windpower turbine to obtain UL1741SA certification for its inverter.
  • The commission relied on a five-part test, considering whether the amendment would result in any reduction in the project's economic value, affect the producer's ability to meet financial obligations, impose additional costs without compensation, provide benefits to ratepayers, and allow the contracting parties to be heard by the commission.
  • No objections were raised by other parties, and the requested extension was deemed necessary to ensure the project's equipment meets the applicable interconnection standards.
  • The project's standard-offer contract milestone was extended until May 22, 2023, from the original deadline of November 21, 2022.
  • The commission considered factors such as the developer's investment in the project and the potential waste of resources if the contract were to expire.
  • The extension recommendation does not address the statutory provision requiring the project to be commissioned within 24 months after the execution of the standard-offer contract.

Statistics:

  • The Quarterline Wind Project is a 30 kW electric generation facility in Rutland, Vermont, operated by Preston Billings.
  • The project's CPG application milestone was originally set for November 21, 2022, but has been extended until May 22, 2023.
  • The extension request was filed on October 19, 2022, and the commission received comments from the Department of Public Service and Green Mountain Power Corporation on December 14, 2022.
  • The commission relied on a five-part test in evaluating the extension request, which considers several criteria to determine whether the amendment is in the public interest.
  • The project's equipment will require UL1741SA certification for its inverter, which will be obtained within the next six months.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission (Case No. 22-4543-PET)
  • Standard Offer Facilitator, VEPP Inc. (Case No. 22A-0122)
  • Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP)
  • Department of Public Service (DPS)
  • 30 V.S.A. § 8(c)
  • 30 V.S.A. § 8005a(j)(1)(A)

Read more