S.49

Introduced by   Senator Greenwood of Essex-Orleans County

Referred to Committee on

Date:

Subject:  Public service; regulation of corporations; jurisdiction

Statement of purpose:  This bill proposes to establish a program to allow commercial electric ratepayers to receive credit for approved energy efficiency expenditures up to the amount the ratepayer owes pursuant to the energy efficiency charge.

AN ACT RELATING TO THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY CHARGE

It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:

Sec. 1.  30 V.S.A. § 209(d)(3) is amended to read:

(3)  In addition to its existing authority, the board may establish by order or rule a volumetric charge to customers for the support of energy efficiency programs that meet the requirements of section 218c of this title.  The charge shall be known as the energy efficiency charge, shall be shown separately on each customer's bill, and shall be paid to a fund administrator appointed by the board.  Commercial and industrial customers shall be able to receive credit up to the amount of the energy efficiency charge on their bill for energy efficiency investment for their business approved by the entity appointed by the board pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection.  Such credit will be counted as part of the amount specified in subdivision (4) of this subsection.  When such a charge is shown, notice as to how to obtain information about energy efficiency programs approved under this section shall be provided in a manner directed by the board.  This notice shall include, at a minimum, a toll free telephone number, and to the extent feasible shall be on the customer's bill and near the energy efficiency charge.  Balances in the fund shall be ratepayer funds, shall be used to support the activities authorized in this subdivision, and shall be carried forward and remain in the fund at the end of each fiscal year.  These monies shall not be available to meet the general obligations of the state.  Interest earned shall remain in the fund.  The board will annually provide the legislature with a report detailing the revenues collected and the expenditures made for energy efficiency programs under this section.