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WIND ENERGY IN VERMONT

WIND ENERGY IN VERMONT. Public Administration 306 - Marc Bilodeau - Erica Spiegel - Brendan Andrews. ENERGY USES & SOURCES. Seventy-one percent of Vermont’s electricity comes from two sources: Vermont Yankee Nuclear and contracts with Hydro-Quebec.

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WIND ENERGY IN VERMONT

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  1. WIND ENERGY IN VERMONT Public Administration 306 - Marc Bilodeau - Erica Spiegel - Brendan Andrews

  2. ENERGY USES & SOURCES • Seventy-one percent of Vermont’s electricity comes from two sources: Vermont Yankee Nuclear and contracts with Hydro-Quebec. • Both contracts are set to expire within the next seven to ten years.

  3. ENERGY USES & SOURCES • Energy consumption has steadily risen over the past decade and is expected to rise at a rate of about two percent per year during the 2000-2010 period.

  4. WIND ENERGY IN VERMONT • Vermont had the first commercial wind turbine in the nation. • The Searsburg Wind Project, completed in 1997, was the first commercial wind farm east of the Mississippi River. • The Vermont Electric Plan 2005 recommends that “Vermont should continue to encourage and promote development of net-metered renewable energy applications in appropriate locations.”

  5. THE POWER OF WIND • The average household consumes 750 Kilowatt-hours of electricity per month. • A 1.5 MW turbine generates enough electricity to power 500 average homes in Vermont. • Costs of wind energy have declined eighty percent since 1980.

  6. WORKING DEFINITIONS • BIG WIND: - Commercial wind projects with turbines that are 200 to 300 feet in height and produce 1.5 MW at full capacity. • SMALL WIND: - Single turbines under 120 feet in height with blade diameters of less than 20 feet that are designed for use by individual homeowners, schools, and businesses.

  7. WORKING DEFINITIONS • PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD: • The “quasi-judicial board” that regulates Vermont’s public utilities to ensure the “provision of high quality public utility service at minimum reasonable costs.” • DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE: • State executive agency that acts as “an advocate” for the ratepayer in energy and telecommunications matters. • CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC GOOD: • The “permit” issued by the Public Service Board if a project is determined to be in the best interests of the state.

  8. WIND ENERGY IN VERMONT • In 2004, the Commission on Wind Energy Regulatory Policy said that “there is no statewide consensus on the development of large wind generation projects in Vermont.” • Among other things, the Commission noted the need for an “increase [in] public and local official education.”

  9. DEFINING THE PROBLEM • State lacks diversity of electricity sources. • Ongoing debate about appropriateness of wind energy for Vermont. • Piecemeal approach to development. • Most town plans do not specifically address commercial wind. • Local officials need improved information to make better policy decisions.

  10. INVOLVED ACTORS • Department of Public Service • Public Service Board • Agency of Natural Resources • Selectboards • Regional planning agencies • VT League of Cities and Towns • Local residents • Advocacy groups • Developers • The media

  11. APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS • 30 V.S.A. Section 248 is the regulatory process to determine if a proposed public utility project is in the public good. • Town Plans are considered by the Public Service Board. • Towns cannot outlaw power generation facilities outright and local zoning laws do not apply.

  12. POLICY GOALS TO ACHIEVE • Help state achieve goal of promoting renewable energy. • Equip town selectboards and regional planners with information to modify their plans. • Help towns establish clear, written community standards.

  13. THE DELIVERABLE • “Commercial Wind Development in Vermont: A Primer for Local Officials and Citizens” • Contents: • Background of commercial wind • Technical issues • Environmental, wildlife, siting, costs • Aesthetic issues • Legal and Regulatory issues • Sample Language, case studies, and precedents • Link to other resources

  14. EXAMPLES OF PLANS • Hinesburg – permissive town plan • Middlebury – restrictive town plan • Northeastern Vermont Development Association – regional plan

  15. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS • The Public Service Board often cites town plans when it makes decisions about issuing Certificates of Public Good. • Middlebury case from 2000. • Charlotte case from 2001. • Department of Public Service testimony also stresses importance of clear town plans.

  16. CONCLUSIONS & SUMMARY • Our guide provides an information tool to towns so they can articulate their feelings about commercial wind development. • Helps promote orderly development and the state’s goal for renewable energy. • Allows towns proactively to decide whether to welcome or to discourage a project.

  17. VERMONT’S WORKING LANDSCAPE

  18. “Vermont Windfarm” “Wind turbines are a beautiful part of our cultural landscape. They are beautiful in themselves – kinetic sculptures on the skyline” -- Sabra Field, Vermont Artist

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