Download the Draft 2022 CEP (November 2021)
- Executive Summary
- Full Report
- Appendix: Updates to Act 174 Standards: Cover Memo, Redline Version, Clean Version
- Energy Model: The Model Uses SEI's LEAP software. Step 1: Register for Free LEAP Account, Step 2: Download Software and Model
The draft 2022 CEP is the next step in a year-long process that draws on input from Vermonters and numerous State agencies. This CEP reflects close coordination between the PSD and Vermont Climate Council, which is developing the Climate Action Plan required by the Global Warming Solutions Act (Act 153 of 2020). The Climate Action Plan is being prepared through a separate process, under different statutory requirements. Please see Chapter 2 of the Draft CEP for further information on the interaction of the CEP and Climate Action Plan.
The draft 2022 CEP advances and builds on the high-level goals set in the 2011 and 2016 CEPs:
- Meet 25 percent of energy needs from renewable sources by 2025
- Meet 45 percent of energy needs from renewable sources by 2035
- Meet 90 percent of energy needs from renewable sources by 2050
In addition, the 2022 CEP is structured to meet greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction requirements including:
- 26 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2025
- 40 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2030
- 80 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2050
In meeting these goals and requirements, this draft CEP balances the Vermont energy policy goals articulated in 30 V.S.A. § 202a of energy adequacy, reliability, security, and affordability, which are all essential for a vibrant, resilient, and robust economy, and for the health and well-being of all Vermonters.
The draft CEP also recognizes that the current energy system is marked by systemic inequities that disproportionately impact many of Vermont’s communities in terms of energy burdens and access to renewable energy opportunities. The transition needed to meet renewable energy goals and GHG reduction requirements presents opportunities to root out and redress those inequities. This CEP seeks to lay the foundation to advance equity and justice within Vermont energy policy.
The draft CEP provides detail on Vermont’s pathways, strategies, and recommended actions toward achieving energy and greenhouse reduction goals. Like the 2016 CEP, this draft Plan covers all energy sectors (electric, thermal, and transportation), and it sets new goals for each sector:
- In the Electric Sector: meet 100% of energy needs from carbon-free resources by 2032, with at least 75% from renewable energy
- In the Transportation Sector: meet 10% of energy needs from renewable energy by 2025, and 45% by 2040
- In the Thermal Sector: meet 30% of energy needs from renewable energy by 2025, and 70% by 2042
This CEP update focuses on strategies and options for reducing thermal and transportation loads and converting remaining demand to highly efficient electric technologies, such as heat pumps and electric vehicles. It seeks to ensure that the electric system can meet these increased demands in a manner that encourages the transition while ensuring that Vermonters can continue to pay their electric bills. This CEP continues to maintain a role for renewable fuels to lower the carbon content of hard-to-electrify energy service needs.
The PSD coordinated its CEP public involvement activities with the Climate Council to provide numerous opportunities for Vermonters to engage in conversations about the state’s energy future. The active engagement of Vermonters will ultimately determine how the state responds to a rapidly evolving energy landscape and changing climate.
The draft CEP includes the State’s 20-Year Electric Plan and meets the statutory requirements of sections 202 and 202b of Title 30 of Vermont law. The draft also includes information responsive to Act 174 (2016) with information relevant to regional energy planning activities.
Public Comments on the Draft CEP
The PSD will accept public comments on the draft CEP until December 20, 2021. Comments may be shared in writing, through in-person public hearings, or through online public meetings. All comments on the draft CEP submitted or shared with the PSD are public and will be available for review. Staff will review public comments as they prepare the final 2022 CEP for release in January 2022.
Comments may be submitted electronically, in the body of an email or via a pdf or a Word document provided as an attachment to an email. Submit electronic comments by email to PSD.ComprehensiveEnergyPlan@vermont.gov.
Comments may also be provided in written form to:
CEP 2022 Public Comments
c/o Vermont Department of Public Service
112 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-2601
Review written comments submitted on the draft CEP here.
Online Public Meetings
Tuesday, November 30, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNjM95yyL2U
Thursday, December 2, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0F4dkWrebc
In-Person Public Hearings
In addition to the online public meetings of November 30 and December 2, the PSD will host five public hearings to provide opportunities for in-person comment. All attendees at public hearings are recommended to wear masks; some facilities will require masks to be worn. All attendees must sign-in. According to the Vermont Department of Health, wearing a mask helps protect you and the people around you from getting or spreading COVID-19. COVID-19 can spread even if a person does not have any symptoms. Please visit the Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 website for basic prevention steps to reduce transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.
To request assistance related to accessibility, interpretation, or translation, please call the Department of Public Service at 800-622-4496.
The meeting slides are available for download as a PDF.
Sunday, December 5, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
St. Johnsbury Academy, Morse Center for the Arts/Stuart Black Box Theatre, 55 Fairbanks Dr, St. Johnsbury
Monday, December 6, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Randolph Campus of Vermont Technical College, Judd Hall, 113 Judd Drive, Randolph
Wednesday, December 8, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Rutland Free Library, Fox Room, 10 Court Street, Rutland
Thursday, December 9, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Brattleboro Campus of Vermont Technical College, Brooks House, 41 Harmony Place, Brattleboro
Use Main Atrium doors (open until 7 pm). Room 245 is on the second floor next to the elevator.
Sunday, December 12, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Williston Campus of Vermont Technical College, Room 401B, 201 Lawrence Place, Williston