This commentary is by Luke Miller, an executive committee member of the Vermont Sierra Club and was originally published in Vermont Digger on April 19.
This March, the Vermont House of Representatives voted to pass a new renewable energy standard, H.289, a policy that sets requirements for energy providers throughout the state. At the moment, H.289 is being considered by the Senate.
H.289 is the product of an agreement between the regulated utilities and environmental and energy advocates. The new renewable energy standard would institute a number of proposed changes, all of which encourage a cleaner, more renewable, next-generation electric grid for Vermont’s future.
The standard presents Vermont with another unmissable opportunity to lead the country in new, innovative policies that sustain Vermont’s thriving natural communities for generations to come.
Comprehensive reform in the energy sector will bring more reliable energy, cleaner water, fewer harmful chemicals in the air and stable, well-paid jobs for Vermonters. It also will keep more of Vermonters’ energy expenditures in Vermont, further strengthening our local economy.
Despite these benefits, opponents of the new renewable energy standard claim it would cause big rate hikes for Vermont residents. While it won’t be free to upgrade to a state-of-the-art, model electric grid, some estimates of the total cost, notably our own Gov. Phil Scott’s, have been greatly overestimated.
In reality, modeling from Renewable Energy Vermont estimates an increase of $187 million in spending over the 10 years of implementation, or approximately $77 million more than the Public Service Department’s proposal for this time span. This translates to about $1.40 more on an average ratepayers electric bill.
Comparatively, the looming climate crisis, unless properly addressed, will have a much greater economic and human cost. That’s why we are working tirelessly alongside our partners to amplify the voices of Vermonters statewide who want clean renewable energy. Together, we fight back against false claims about the cost of this bill to ratepayers.
The new renewable energy standard would require all Vermont utilities to provide 100% renewable electricity to all customers by 2030 for larger utilities and 2035 for smaller municipal electric co-ops. This would make Vermont the first state to have a 100% renewable electric portfolio.
Beyond the direct impact of reducing carbon emissions, the changes from the renewable energy standard would have cascading effects in the energy industry in Vermont and throughout the northeast region. By mandating new renewable generation requirements, utilities would be incentivized to create a more robust energy workforce. More renewable energy sources coming online would also help to reduce the cost of renewable energy. Such a change could also spur technological improvements in the renewable energy field, leading to better generation technologies at better prices.
Requiring utilities to build more new renewables in state — up to 20% of their total delivered electricity, raised from 10% — will spur growth in small and medium sized renewable energy generation facilities throughout Vermont, leading to more jobs for Vermonters and providing further clean electricity to our grid. Smaller-scale in-state renewables reduce Vermont’s reliance on importing hydroelectricity from large hydroelectric generation facilities that damage the environment.
At the end of the day, Vermont’s grid will need to be upgraded soon. Rather than stay tied to polluting energy sources, it is best that our state get ahead of the game and put Vermont in a strong position to contribute to the climate fight through its energy sector.
By passing the renewable energy standard, the Legislature has a chance to further cement Vermont’s reputation as a trailblazer on environmental issues. The benefits that the renewable energy standard brings will directly benefit Vermonters while still allowing us to contribute to fighting the global climate crisis.
The Sierra Club urges the Vermont Senate to pass H.289 and deliver this bill to Scott to enact today.