Vermont PUC seeks members to serve on Clean Heat Standard advisory groups

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Public Utility Commission is actively seeking applications for membership on two advisory groups to inform the design of Vermont’s potential Clean Heat Standard program.  Pursuant to Act 18 of 2023 (the Affordable Heat Act), the Commission will appoint these members of the public and representatives of various organizations to serve on either the Technical Advisory Group or the Equity Advisory Group. 

The advisory group members must be representative of the following sectors: 

The aim of Act 18 is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont’s heating-fuel sector. It directs the Commission to design a regulatory structure based on a marketplace of “clean heat credits.” Under the proposed system, certain heating-fuel suppliers (known as “obligated parties”) would obtain credits by delivering eligible “clean heat measures” such as heat pumps, weatherization, and less carbon-intensive fuels. Obligated parties can also obtain clean heat credits through a Default Delivery Agent or purchase on a credit market. The formation of these two advisory groups is a key part of the stakeholder engagement, public input, and rigorous analysis that will culminate in a complete program design, with the Commission submitting proposed rules to the Legislature in January 2025 for approval. 

The Technical Advisory Group will assist the Commission in designing the ongoing management of the program and in developing the accounting methodology and values for clean heat “credits” and clean heat “measures.” The range of duties can be found in 30 V.S.A. §§ 8124(d)(2), 8127(b), and 8128 of Public Act No. 18 (2023 Vt., Bien. Sess.) or the bill as enacted here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.5.

The mission of the Equity Advisory Group is to ensure that an equitable share of clean heat measures is delivered to low- and moderate-income Vermonters and that heating fuel remains affordable for people who cannot immediately install such measures. The range of duties can be found in 30 V.S.A. § 8129 and Section 6(k) of Public Act No. 18 (2023 Vt., Bien. Sess.) or the bill as enacted here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.5. 

“Both advisory groups are expected to contribute significantly to the design and implementation of the potential Clean Heat Standard,” said Commission Chair Anthony Roisman. “We hope to receive significant interest from Vermonters willing to serve on these important committees.” 

Initial membership terms for both groups will be approximately two years.  Meetings are expected to occur at least monthly during the first year, but exact meeting schedules, frequency, and procedures will be determined once the groups are formed.  Because of the unique expertise and representation of each member, attendance by all group members at the meetings will be crucial.

Members who are not otherwise compensated by their employer are eligible for per diem compensation and reimbursement for expenses consistent with that provided to members of state boards pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010(b). 

For more information on these roles and how to apply, see solicitations: Technical Advisory Group https://epuc.vermont.gov/?q=downloadfile/685168/190907 , Equity Advisory Group https://epuc.vermont.gov/?q=downloadfile/685166/190907 .

Letters of interest should be sent via email to [email protected] or via first-class mail to Business Manager, Vermont Public Utility Commission, 4th Floor, 112 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620-2701 by October 9, 2023.  Letters of interest should identify which advisory group the applicant seeks to serve on and which entities or relevant group(s)/interests/expertise the applicant seeks to represent; describe the applicant’s qualifications to represent those interests; and explain the applicant’s reasons for wanting to serve.

Source: Montpelier, VT, September 19, 2023 –Vermont Public Utility Commission