High Cost Study - VUSF Audit Report
As directed by Act 169, as it added subsection 30 V.S.A. § 7515(b)(8), the PSD released the VUSF Audit Report portion of its High Cost Study, titled QSI VUSF Audit Report: Assessment of the Vermont Universal Service Fund, on May 3, 2013. The Department, in conjunction with the Public Service Board, contracted the firm QSI Consulting, Inc. (“QSI”) to conduct the audit and prepare a report on the Vermont Universal Service Fund ("VUSF"). QSI's audit report details the management audit performed by QSI to: (1) analyze the Fiscal Agent's administration practices; (2) examine telecommunications service provider practices of collecting VUSF surcharges from their retail telecommunications customers; (3) test the accuracy of VUSF surcharge remittances made by telecommunications service providers to the Fiscal Agent and the Fiscal Agent's accounting of those remittances; and (4) review the Fiscal Agent's practices and procedures involving the disbursement of VUSF monies to the authorized programs funded by the VUSF.
High Cost Study - FCC Impact Report
As directed by Act 169, as it amends 30 V.S.A. § 7515(b)(6), the PSD released the FCC Impact Report portion of its High Cost Study, titled Revenue Effects of FCC Reforms to Intercarrier Compensation and Federal Universal Service Mechanisms, on February 19, 2013. The Department, in conjunction with the Public Service Board (“Board”), contracted the consulting firm Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates (“RLSA”) to conduct this FCC impact study as the first of a three part study into whether high cost services should be supported through the Vermont Universal Service Fund (“VUSF”). This report concludes that while FCC actions will have an impact on ILEC revenues, until the regulated and non-regulated revenues are studied in further reports, due to be submitted to the legislature in March and April, respectively, the Department cannot make a recommendation regarding the activation of high cost voice support at this time.
Prepaid Wireless VUSF Report
As directed by Act 169, Section 4, the PSD released its prepaid wireless VUSF report, titled Analysis and Recommendations Regarding the Application of the State's Universal Service Charge to Prepaid Wireless Telecommunications Services, on February 7, 2013. To develop the report, the PSD, in consultation with the Department of Taxes, convened a working group to consider how and whether to implement VUSF charges for prepaid wireless services. Included in the report are two alternatives for draft legislation.
2012 Vermont Telecom Survey Report
On February 7, 2013, the Public Service Department released the 2012 Vermont Telecommunications Survey Report. ICF International conducted the survey on the behalf of the Department from July through September 2012.
Vermont Smart Meter Measurement Report
As directed by Act 170, the PSD released the Vermont smart meter measurement report, titled An Evaluation of Radio Frequency Fields Produced by Smart Meters Deployed in Vermont, on January 23, 2013. The full report is now available as a single PDF document.
Clean Energy Development Fund’s Five Year Strategic Plan
January 15, 2013 - The PSD released a new five year strategic plan for the Clean Energy Development Fund. The plan is available here.
Thermal Efficiency Task Force Report
PSD Commissioner Christopher Recchia has announced the release of the Thermal Efficiency Task Force (TETF) report to the Legislature. This report was created by the members of the TETF to recommend specific actions and initiatives that will guide the State in meeting the state building efficiency goals, improve its energy and economic security, create local jobs, and reduce environmental impacts. A copy of the full report is available here.
Governor's Energy Generation Siting Policy Commission
On October 2, 2012, Governor Peter Shumlin created the Governor’s Energy Generation Siting Policy Commission through Executive Order No. 10-12. You can access information on the Governors Energy Generation Siting Policy Commission by clicking here.
2011 Draft Electric Plan Addendum Public Comments
The Public Service Department compiled Public Comment (as of the end of the comment period - September 26, 2012) on the 2011 Draft Electric Plan Addendum.
Allocation of Additional $1.25 million to Support Renewable Energy
The Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) announced today that the Clean Energy Development Fund Board has approved the allocation of an additional $1.25 million to support the installation of solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and small wind energy projects for home owners, communities, and businesses across Vermont through the Small Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program. (Media Release).
Small Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program, 2012 Program Changes
The 2012 Vermont Small Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program changes can be found in the 2012 program design.
