Natural Gas
Vermont has one natural gas distribution company, Vermont Gas Systems, Inc. (VGS). VGS serves approximately 55,000 customers in northwestern Vermont and continues to increase its customer base. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates natural gas commerce in Vermont.
Propane
The sale of propane is not regulated by the Vermont Public Utility Commission. However, the Vermont Attorney General does have certain oversight of heating fuel in general and propane in particular. Information on these topics can be found at:
- The Vermont Consumer Assistance Program homepage
- The Vermont Consumer Assistance Program Consumer Protection Rules webpage
Pipeline Safety
The Department of Public Service carries out the State's responsibilities with respect to natural gas and propane pipeline safety. The Pipeline Safety Program is a Federal/State partnership program designed to assure compliance with Federal and State Gas Pipeline Safety Regulations for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of natural gas pipeline facilities and certain Liquid Petroleum Gas pipeline systems located in the state of Vermont.
- Guidance Identifying Jurisdictional Propane Pipeline Systems
- Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations
- Public Utility Commission Rule 6.100
Immediate Reporting of Incidents to Pipeline Systems
Upon knowledge of a gas leak incident, operators of natural gas and propane systems are required to immediately notify the Department of Public Service and the Public Utility Commission. Please reference Gas Leak Event Notification and Reporting Requirements Involving Jurisdictional Propane Pipeline Systems in Vermont.
Reports & Inspection Forms
- Annual Report for Gas Distribution System
- Incident Report for Gas Distribution System
- Pipeline Failure Investigation Report
- Link to all Federal Pipeline Safety Inspection forms
Dig Safe®
Vermont law requires that individuals, including homeowners, notify Dig Safe® at least 48 hours before excavating on public and private property, rights of ways and easements. These pages have been assembled to provide additional information to help excavators, homeowners, and utility operators avoid damages, protect personal and public safety and achieve the perfect excavation. For more information, please see the Underground Utility Damage Prevention page.
Engineering Division
For information about the Engineering Division, please see the Divisions page.
Guidance for Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) and 202(f) Determination Requests
The Department has revised its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) guidance. Please direct questions on the now-required Financial Analysis to sean.foley@vermont.gov and questions related to the Initiative Flowcharts to lou.cecere@vermont.gov.