Vermont's House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee is taking significant steps to address the power reliability of state courthouses following discussions about the impact of potential power outages. During a recent meeting, committee members highlighted the critical need for backup power systems in these facilities, particularly in light of recent power outages experienced in Spain and Portugal.

The committee learned that only about half of Vermont's 23 courthouses are equipped with backup generators. This raises concerns about the operational capacity of the judiciary during statewide power failures. Currently, 12 of these courthouses are county-owned, while 11 are state-owned, with the latter being managed by the Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS).

The discussion emphasized the importance of ensuring that all state courthouses have reliable backup power systems. Committee members expressed the urgency of addressing this issue, especially since many essential services depend on the functionality of these courthouses. The judiciary has already requested BGS to prioritize the installation of generators in state-owned courthouses to enhance their resilience against power outages.

As Vermont moves forward, the committee's focus on improving the power infrastructure for courthouses is expected to bolster the state's ability to maintain judicial operations during emergencies. This proactive approach underscores the importance of preparedness in safeguarding essential services for the community.