GMP CEO Mary Powell speaks during a solar power event in Rutland in September. Photo courtesy GMP.
Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power announced today that it has created a new solar map, which can be found below, so Vermonters can see where solar is powering our state. The map allows Vermonters to see where solar energy is being generated and how it ties into the grid. This effort comes at a time when GMP is proposing a strategic limited extension of net metering so more Vermonters can put solar on their homes or businesses.
“As Vermont’s Energy Company of the Future, we are all about empowering customers with clean, reliable and cost-effective power,” said GMP President and CEO Mary Powell. “That means partnering with homeowners and businesses on an energy transformation that moves away from doubling down on the current grid system, and focuses more on homes, businesses, and communities, so we are generating power closer to where it is needed as we lower costs and increase reliability through innovations like battery storage.”
Through its eHome and eBiz program, GMP is working with customers to accelerate the adoption of homes and businesses that are cost effective, use dramatically less energy and can operate more independently of the grid.
GMP has reached the original net metering cap set and agreed on by solar developers and lawmakers. GMP will outline its plan and ask to extend the net metering program on a limited basis in a filing with the Public Service Board. Pending board approval, GMP will continue to allow homes and businesses to go solar by accepting net metering applications that are 15 kW and under. The proposal also allows for 7.5 MW of community projects for homes and businesses that cannot directly place solar on their home or property. This helps the landowner who would like to cover at least 50% of his or her power usage, or who will be getting 2% of the output from the project. The Public Service Board is looking into a new net metering program that would start in 2017.
Gabrielle Stebbins, Executive Director, Renewable Energy Vermont, said, "Vermonters’ strong commitment to clean energy has caused Green Mountain Power to reach its current net-metering limit. Renewable Energy Vermont is appreciative the utility has fashioned a thoughtful approach so more Vermont homes, businesses, schools and farms can go renewable while keeping thousands of Vermonters employed in clean energy."
”Net metering is really important for business and residential customers, like us, who want to go solar,” said Kathy Harm, a homeowner in Rutland. “We are excited about the benefits we have gotten and are very pleased that GMP is extending the program so more Vermonters like me can generate solar and be able to make good energy choices.”
“I commend GMP and Vermonters for leading on solar and reaching this milestone for the net metering program, which is delivering clean power throughout the state,” said Senator Chris Bray of Addison County. “Our state also requires utilities to provide energy that is affordable, so it’s prudent that GMP is now reassessing how to continue the movement to renewables while keeping an eye on costs for all ratepayers. I am confident that our energy future is bright in Vermont.”
“At GMP, we have internal solar siting standards that guide our work with homeowners, businesses, and communities,” said Powell. “Solar is a critical part of our energy future. This strategic limited extension of solar net metering fits with what customers tell us they want, which is to partner on energy transformation at the most local level.”
GMP’s new solar map helps inform customers where solar is being sited and how it ties into the grid. Using the solar map, you can see where projects are connected to the grid and operational and also where projects are proposed for the future by substation and circuit. GMP has created a color system to show Vermonters where capacity for new solar is abundant and where the grid is at or approaching capacity. The map itself is meant to help educate Vermonters about projects across the state and their impact on the grid system. The solar map will be updated weekly as more projects come online.
To check out the new GMP solar map, visit: http://www.greenmountainpower.com/innovative/solar/solar-map/
About Green Mountain Power:
Green Mountain Power (GMP) serves approximately 265,000 residential and business customers in Vermont andhas a vision to be the best small company in America by partnering with Vermonters to improve lives andtransform communities. GMP is focused on a new way of doing business to meet the needs of customers withintegrated energy services that help people use less energy and save money, while continuing to generate clean,cost-effective and reliable power in Vermont. GMP is the first utility in the world to get a B Corp certification,meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability and transparency standards and committing to use businessas a force for good. In 2014, Vote Solar named GMP a Solar Champion. More informationat: www.greenmountainpower.com. Connect with GMP on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @GreenMtnPower.
Source: GMP 11.16.2015 www.greenmountainpower.com