Vermont debates repeal of renewable energy standard citing high costs and reliability issues
March 01, 2025 | Environment & Energy, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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The Vermont House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee convened on March 1, 2025, to discuss the implications of the state's renewable energy standard (RES) and the potential repeal of this legislation. The meeting focused on three primary concerns: affordability, reliability, and overall prosperity for Vermonters.
The discussion began with a strong assertion that the current renewable energy policies contribute to higher electricity costs. It was noted that Vermont's electric rates are approximately 50% above the national median, with the state paying around 18.5 cents per kilowatt hour compared to the U.S. median of about 12.4 cents. The speaker emphasized that all six New England states with similar renewable energy laws rank among the highest in electricity costs, suggesting a correlation between these policies and rising prices.
A significant point raised was the reliability of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar. The speaker argued that these sources are inherently unreliable, necessitating the construction of additional capacity—up to six times more for solar—to meet average energy demands. This overbuilding, according to the speaker, further drives up costs.
The committee also examined the financial impact of solar net metering, which has reportedly cost Vermonters nearly $5.5 billion since its inception in 2010. The speaker claimed that this figure reflects the excess paid for renewable energy compared to standard electricity rates.
In response to concerns about climate change, the speaker highlighted that Vermont is already spending significantly more per capita on solar subsidies than the national average, suggesting that the state is exceeding its obligations in addressing environmental issues.
The meeting concluded with a call for a reevaluation of the renewable energy standard, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both economic and environmental factors. The committee plans to continue discussions on this topic, weighing the potential benefits of repealing the RES against the state's commitment to renewable energy and climate action.
The discussion began with a strong assertion that the current renewable energy policies contribute to higher electricity costs. It was noted that Vermont's electric rates are approximately 50% above the national median, with the state paying around 18.5 cents per kilowatt hour compared to the U.S. median of about 12.4 cents. The speaker emphasized that all six New England states with similar renewable energy laws rank among the highest in electricity costs, suggesting a correlation between these policies and rising prices.
A significant point raised was the reliability of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar. The speaker argued that these sources are inherently unreliable, necessitating the construction of additional capacity—up to six times more for solar—to meet average energy demands. This overbuilding, according to the speaker, further drives up costs.
The committee also examined the financial impact of solar net metering, which has reportedly cost Vermonters nearly $5.5 billion since its inception in 2010. The speaker claimed that this figure reflects the excess paid for renewable energy compared to standard electricity rates.
In response to concerns about climate change, the speaker highlighted that Vermont is already spending significantly more per capita on solar subsidies than the national average, suggesting that the state is exceeding its obligations in addressing environmental issues.
The meeting concluded with a call for a reevaluation of the renewable energy standard, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both economic and environmental factors. The committee plans to continue discussions on this topic, weighing the potential benefits of repealing the RES against the state's commitment to renewable energy and climate action.
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