Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Public Service in a statement released today has called on the Public Service Board to evaluate existing forms of utility regulation in light of emerging trends in the energy and utility sectors. The Department maintains that this review is needed in light of developments in State policy in recent years, particularly the enactment of laws incentivizing renewable energy; technological advancements in the utility sector; and the past decade’s worth of experience with alternative regulation.
Commissioner June Tierney said: “The Department is committed to open and transparent utility regulation, with the goal of ensuring that customers receive safe and reliable service at affordable rates. The Department’s hope is that the Board will facilitate a vigorous discussion about the changing utility sector and how regulation can evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities it presents.”
Among the topics the Department proposes for discussion are:
- Examining regulatory practices in Vermont (under both traditional and alternative regulation) as well as in other jurisdictions;
- Discussing emerging industry trends and opportunities; and
- Identifying regulatory goals, including how they can be articulated and measured.
Ultimately, the statement said, the Department hopes this conversation will help the regulated community discern best practices for utility regulation in Vermont, which can then inform future Board proceedings involving individual utilities.
Source: VT DPS 4.10.2017