April 24,
2008
Mrs. Susan M. Hudson,
Clerk
Re: Disposition of
Revenues from EEU Participation in the Forward
Capacity
Market
Dear Mrs.
Hudson:
VPIRG
feels strongly that the legislative intent of S.209, now Act 92, was to
use the money earned through Efficiency Vermont's participation in the Forward
Capacity Market to move towards Vermont's building efficiency goals established
in 10 V.S.A. § 581. Act 92 expands the mandate of Efficiency Vermont,
allowing the utility to help Vermonters reduce their non-electric fuel use.
If revenue
from the Forward Capacity Market is used to offset existing funding focused on
electric energy efficiency the state's energy efficiency programs will fall
short of what is required in Act 92: "Ensure that the energy efficiency programs
implemented under this section are designed to make continuous and proportional
progress toward attaining the overall state building efficiency goals
established by 10 V.S.A.§ 581, by promoting all forms of energy end use
efficiency and comprehensive sustainable building
design."
With
rising fuel costs and the pressing concerns associated with climate change it is
crucial that these funds be put to work as soon as possible to help Vermonters
reduce their heating bills.
VPIRG
recommends that all revenues from participation in the Forward Capacity Market
be spent as efficiently as possible to reach the building efficiency goals
established in 10 V.S.A. § 581.
Sincerely,
James
Moore
Clean
Energy Advocate
Vermont
Public Interest Research Group