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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Issues Certificate of Public Good for Richmond Substation Upgrades

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has granted a Certificate of Public Good to Green Mountain Power Corporation and Vermont Electric Cooperative, Inc. for upgrades to the jointly owned Richmond Substation in Richmond, Vermont. The certificate was issued on May 20, 2022, after a thorough review of the project's plans and evidence. The CPG holds several conditions, including site preparation, construction, operation, and maintenance restrictions, as well as environmental and wetlands permits requirements. The upgrade aims to promote the general good of the State by improving the reliability and efficiency of the power grid.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission issued a Certificate of Public Good for the Richmond Substation upgrades on May 20, 2022.
  • The certificate authorizes Green Mountain Power Corporation and Vermont Electric Cooperative, Inc. to proceed with the project, subject to 18 conditions outlined in the order.
  • Conditions include site preparation, construction, operation, and maintenance restrictions, as well as environmental and wetlands permits requirements.
  • The project aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of the power grid, promoting the general good of the State.
  • Specific conditions include:

+ Restricting construction activities to specific hours Monday through Saturday.

+ Maintaining a 50-foot undisturbed riparian zone along an unnamed intermittent stream.

+ Obtaining a wetlands permit before beginning site preparation or construction activities related to the Project.

+ Updating GMP's Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan to reflect the Project upgrades within six months of completing the Project.

+ Disposing of all constructed-related waste and waste soils in accordance with all applicable regulations.

+ Complying with the terms contained in memoranda of understanding with the Agency of Natural Resources and the Division for Historic Preservation.

+ Identifying Archaeological Sensitive Areas on all relevant site plans or construction plans and treating them as not-to-be-disturbed archaeological buffer zones.

  • The CPG Holders shall pay all invoices (if any) from any State agency that are related to this proceeding and not still under review by the Commission.
  • This Certificate of Public Good shall not be transferred without prior approval of the Commission.

Statistics:

  • May 20, 2022: Date the Certificate of Public Good was issued.
  • 18: Number of conditions outlined in the order.
  • 6: Months within which GMP shall update its Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan to reflect the Project upgrades.
  • 50: Foot minimum undisturbed riparian zone required along the unnamed intermittent stream.

Sources:

  • Case No. 21-5164-PET, Petition of Green Mountain Power Corporation and Vermont Electric Cooperative, Inc. for a certificate of public good, pursuant to 30 V.S.A. § 248.

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