Vermont Public Utility Commission Issues Order for SVEP Solar Project Company, LLC

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued an order requiring the SVEP Solar Project Company, LLC to comply with certain amendments to its Certificate of Public Good (CPG) for the 2.2 MW solar electric generation facility in Pownal, Vermont. The order was entered on July 25, 2025, and outlines specific requirements for decommissioning, financial security, and reporting.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CPG is amended to require the SVEP Solar Project Company, LLC to comply with a new decommissioning plan, which includes the use of an irrevocable standby letter of credit to secure the decommissioning fund.
  • The company must file a report with the Commission, the Vermont Department of Public Service, and each party to the proceeding every three years, describing any adjustments and changes to the decommissioning fund.
  • The value of the decommissioning fund must be adjusted for inflation every three years based on the net positive change in the annual average of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Northeast Urban Consumer Price Index for the preceding three-year period.
  • The facility's standby letter of credit or other form of financial security must be adjusted every three years to reflect changes to the decommissioning fund.
  • The Commission has the right to draw on the facility's irrevocable standby letter of credit or other form of financial security to pay for decommissioning in the event that the CPG Holder has not begun decommissioning activities within 90 days of a Commission order directing decommissioning.
  • Upon completion of all decommissioning and site restoration activities, the CPG Holder must request a determination from the Commission that the CPG Holder's decommissioning obligations have been satisfied.

Statistics:

  • 2.2 MW: the capacity of the solar electric generation facility

*July 25, 2025: the date of the Commission's Order

  • 2010: the year the original Certificate of Public Good was issued
  • December 5, 2011: the date the CPG was amended to approve the transfer of ownership
  • December 31, 2012: the date the CPG was amended to reflect the anticipated transfer of ownership
  • 45 days: the timeframe within which the CPG Holder must record a notice of the CPG on the form available at http://puc.vermont.gov/document/cpg-municipal-notice-form

Sources:

  • [Order of the Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 22-2905-LCOMP]
  • [CPG issued on September 8, 2010]