Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Public Service Department on Friday released its Final Comprehensive Energy Plan for Vermont’s Energy Future.
“The Comprehensive Energy Plan provides recommendations for achieving State energy goals equitably, affordably, reliably and in an environmentally sound manner,” according to Commissioner June E. Tierney at the Department of Public Service. “The development of the Energy Plan informed and is designed to be consistent with the recently released Climate Action Plan,” she added.
The Plan draws on input provided by Vermonters who shared their insights over the past year in public hearings and online events. Vermonters provided direct feedback on the Draft plan issued in November which helped to shape the final product.
“The engagement of Vermonters and Vermont organizations in development of this plan was critical, and really helped policy decision makers address the difficult choices when setting energy policy goals. We look forward to continuing to engage Vermonters as we implement the Plan,” added TJ Poor, Director of Planning at the Department.
The CEP is updated every six years.
The 2022 update focuses on strategies and options for reducing demand and converting remaining thermal and transportation loads to highly efficient electric technologies, such as heat pumps and electric vehicles. It contains strategies that can facilitate the electric system meeting these increased demands in a manner that encourages increased electrification while ensuring that Vermonters can continue to pay their electric bills. The CEP continues to maintain a role for renewable fuels to lower the carbon content of hard-to-electrify energy service needs.
The CEP covers all energy sectors (electric, thermal, and transportation), and it sets new goals for each sector. In the Electric Sector: meet 100% of energy needs from carbon-free resources by 2032, with at least 75% from renewable energy. In the Transportation Sector: meet 10% of energy needs from renewable energy by 2025, and 45% by 2040. In the Thermal Sector: meet 30% of energy needs from renewable energy by 2025, and 70% by 2042
The 2022 Comprehensive Energy Plan may be downloaded from the Department of Public Service CEP website: 2022 Plan | Department of Public Service (vermont.gov).
2022 COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY PLAN (CEP) FACT SHEET
The final 2022 CEP advances and builds on the high-level goals set in the 2011 and 2016 CEP’s: Meet 25 percent of energy needs from renewable sources by 2025, 45 percent by 2035, and 90 percent by 2050. The greenhouse gas requirements include 26 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2025, 40 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2030, and 80 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2050.
This Comprehensive Energy Plan balances the Vermont energy policy goals articulated in 30 V.S.A. § 202a of energy adequacy, reliability, security, and affordability, which are all essential for a vibrant, resilient, and robust economy, and for the health and well-being of all Vermonters. The Plan includes the state’s 20-Year Electric Plan and meets the statutory requirements of sections 202 and 202b of Title 30 of Vermont law. The Plan also includes information responsive to Act 174 with information relevant to regional energy planning activities.
The CEP also recognizes that the current energy system is marked by systemic inequities that disproportionately impact many of Vermont’s communities in terms of energy burdens and access to renewable energy opportunities. The 2022 CEP goes beyond previous energy plans with a focus on equity and justice. The transition needed to meet renewable energy goals and GHG reduction requirements presents opportunities to root out and redress those inequities.
The CEP provides detail on Vermont’s pathways, strategies, and recommended actions towards achieving energy and greenhouse reduction goals. This Plan covers the electric sector, but also sets new goals for the energy required to heat buildings and to power transportation:
- In the Electric Sector, meet 100% of energy needs from carbon-free resources by 2032, with at least 75% from renewable energy
- In the Transportation Sector, meet 10% of energy needs from renewable energy by 2025, and 45% by 2040
- In the Thermal Sector, meet 30% of energy needs from renewable energy by 2025, and 70% by 2042
This CEP update focuses on strategies and options for reducing demand and converting remaining thermal and transportation loads to highly efficient electric technologies, such as heat pumps and electric vehicles. It contains strategies that can facilitate the electric system meeting these increased demands in a manner that encourages increased electrification while ensuring that Vermonters can continue to pay their electric bills. The CEP continues to maintain a role for renewable fuels to lower the carbon content of hard-to-electrify energy service needs.
The plan is the product of a year-long process that draws on input from Vermonters and numerous State agencies. Even after publication, the Department will continue to provide numerous opportunities for Vermonters to engage in conversations about Vermont’s energy future.
The 2022 Comprehensive Energy Plan may be downloaded from the Department of Public Service CEP website: https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/2022-plan.
Montpelier, VT – Vermont Department of Public Service 1.14.2022