Power Contract Workshop

In recent months, the Public Service Board ("Board") has reviewed a proposed wind generation facility under 30 V.S.A. § 248 and a proposed power purchase agreement with a hydroelectric facility under Board Rule 5.200.  In both situations Vermont electric distribution utilities intended to enter power purchase agreements with renewable-generation sources with price terms that were based upon a discount off regional electricity market prices.

The Board is concerned that such market-indexed power contracts, if they become prevalent in the future, might be inconsistent with state policy.  Title 30, Section 8001(a)(3) of the Vermont Statutes Annotated states:

"The general assembly finds it in the interest of the people of the state to promote the state energy policy established in section 202a of this title by: . . . (3) Providing an incentive for the state's retail electricity providers to enter into affordable, long-term, stably priced renewable energy contracts that mitigate market price fluctuations for Vermonters."

On November 7, 2007, the Board held a workshop to explore the issue of stably priced contracts.  This page provides information regarding this workshop and follow-up activities.

Schedule for Workshops and Filings

• November 7, 2007 -- 1:30 p.m., Public Service Board Hearing Room, Third Floor, Chittenden Bank Building, 112 State Street, Montpelier
• December 7, 2007 -- Deadline for additional comments
• December 21, 2007 -- Deadline for reply comments
• January 2008 -- The Board will hold a workshop to discuss written comments (date to be determined)

Board Orders and Memos

• October 19, 2007 -- Memo announcing Workshop
• November 16, 2007 -- Memo re Next Steps

Background Information

• Connecticut Project 100
  • Statute
  • Notice of the release of the re-issued Project 100 Round 2 request for proposals
  • Summary of Project 100 initiative by DSIRE
  • Press release regarding results of Round 2 of Project 100
• Wisconsin utility's request for proposals for 200 MW from a new renewable energy facility

Participants Comments

• December 7, 2007
  • 14 Municipal Utilities
  • BED
  • CVPS Comments and Draft Short-Term Community Generation Tariff
  • DPS Comments and Cover Letter
  • GMP
  • VEC
  • VEPP Inc.
  • VIPPA

Power Contract Email Service List

Instructions for Filing Comments -- Participants should file one paper copy of their comments with the Clerk of the Board and e-mail their comments to the Power Contract Email Service List.