Vermont Business Magazine In response to several proposals to transmit energy from Vermont’s north and west to markets in southern New England, the Renewable Energy Vermont board of directors last week announced its support of a “Green Energy Corridor.”
While REV has not endorsed any specific proposal, the trade association said it favors projects that:
- · Transmit renewable energy only.
- · Provide a public good to Vermonters through support of our in-state clean energy development programs and infrastructure.
- · Prioritize delivery of energy to southern New England to provide Vermont’s in-state renewable industry opportunity for continued growth.
“Vermont has a long history of serving as a commercial conduit between our neighbors, and REV supports the evolution of that relationship to include renewable energy,” said board chair Thomas Hughes. “Done right, these projects could help Vermont and the region reach our clean energy targets.”
REV said it strongly supports Vermont’s goal of supplying 90 percent of the state’s total energy needs in 2050 with renewable energy.
“Through the combination of conservation, efficiency and local renewables Vermont can achieve our goals,” said executive director Gabrielle Stebbins. “It will be more difficult for our neighbors to do the same with their larger populations and greater energy demands. That’s why it makes sense for Vermont to help by serving as a Green Energy Corridor between renewable energy supplies and demand.”
Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) Position Statement:
Vermont As A Renewable Energy Transmission Corridor
As we move into the 21st Century there is a growing demand for energy in southern New England and New York. Surplus energy is available to the North and West of Vermont. In the last year, several projects to transport this energy through Vermont have been proposed, including at least three electrical transmission projects, one crude oil pipeline and one natural gas pipeline.
As the trade association that represents Vermont’s renewable energy businesses, Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) offers the following:
- · REV strongly supports Vermont’s goal of supplying 90% of our total energy use (electric, thermal and transportation) in 2050 with renewable energy. This goal, and the actions required today to meet it, are in the best economic and environmental interests of the state.
- · Vermont has a long history of serving as a commercial conduit and it is in the best interest of Vermont and our region to support continued commerce between our neighbors.
- · It is essential that Vermont be a “Green Energy Corridor.” All new energy transmission facilities built through Vermont should be exclusively for the transport of renewable energy.
- · The amount of electricity currently under consideration (more than Vermont’s entire annual electric load) has the potential for both disruption and dependence if it were not to reach southern New England.
- · In order for Vermont to meet its 90% by 2050 renewable energy goal we need additional in-state renewable energy generation and the grid infrastructure to support it.
- · While the vast majority of energy from these transmission projects will not be used in Vermont homes or businesses, these projects come with a cost to Vermont ratepayers. To offset the disruption resulting from these transmission projects, it is in Vermont’s best interest to recoup this value from the project developers and return it to Vermonters through:
o On-going funding of Vermont’s innovative Clean Energy Development Fund to grow Vermont’s local renewable energy economy
o Upgrades to Vermont’s in-state transmission capacity to allow for the development of more in-state renewable projects
REV looks forward to working with project developers, policy makers, utilities, businesses and citizens to move Vermont towards its renewable energy future.
Source: REV April 17. 2014
About Renewable Energy Vermont (REV)
REV is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing businesses, individuals, colleges and others committed to reducing our reliance on traditional fuels and growing Vermont’s renewable energy industry. www.revermont.org
PHOTO: Hydro-Quebec dam and spillway in Northern Quebec. Courtesy photo.