Vermont Public Utility Commission Revokes Certificate of Public Good and Initiates New Registration

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has taken action in two cases related to solar net-metering projects in Hinesburg, Vermont. On August 19, 2022, Samuel Gardner filed a registration for a 3.7 kW solar netmetering system, which was deemed to have received a certificate of public good (CPG) on September 6, 2022. However, upon review of a new registration form filed on May 9, 2023, the Commission discovered that the interconnecting utility listed on the original form was incorrect, resulting in a material misrepresentation of facts. As a result, the CPG was revoked, and the new registration, Case No. 23-1505-NMR, was established as a new registration. The applicant, Samuel Gardner, must pay a $100 application fee and submit a revised fee form for the new registration to proceed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission revoked a certificate of public good (CPG) for a 3.7 kW solar net-metering system due to a material misrepresentation of facts in the registration form.
  • The applicant, Samuel Gardner, listed the wrong interconnecting utility on the initial registration form, which led to the automatic issuance of the CPG without proper review.
  • A new registration, Case No. 23-1505-NMR, was established as a result, and the applicant must pay a $100 application fee to proceed with the review of the project.
  • The new registration will be eligible for net-metering rates and adjustors in place as of May 9, 2023.
  • The Vermont Electric Cooperative, Inc. (VEC) was the actual interconnecting utility for the project, but was not given an opportunity to review the proposed net-metering project due to the material misrepresentation.
  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission requires that the interconnecting utility be given a chance to review net-metering projects to determine their potential effect on the safety and reliability of the grid.

Statistics:

  • 3.7 kW: The capacity of the solar netmetering system that was the subject of the revoked CPG.
  • 5.105: The Commission Rule that requires the interconnecting utility to review proposed net-metering projects.
  • $100: The application fee that the applicant, Samuel Gardner, must pay to proceed with the review of the new registration.
  • May 9, 2023: The date on which the applicant filed the new registration form in Case No. 23-1505-NMR.
  • 1 day: The timeline for the applicant to submit the revised fee form and application fee for the new registration.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 22-3428-NMR, Order entered on 05/19/2023.
  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 23-1505-NMR, Application of Samuel Gardner for a certificate of public good for a 3.8 kW solar net-metered electric power system in Hinesburg, Vermont.