Overview
The Department of Public Service (PSD) completed a Total Energy Study (TES) to identify the most promising policy and technology pathways to employ in order to reach Vermont's energy and greenhouse gas goals. The TES was a multi-phased process. TES reports and presentations are listed below with links. The TES Final Report was released on December 5, 2014. The TES results are not intended to be a Comprehensive Energy Plan and do not articulate or recommend a definitive pathway forward.
The TES was required by Act 170 of 2012, as modified by Act 89 of 2013. Vermont's energy goals are to: 1) meet 90% of Vermont's overall energy needs from renewable sources by 2050 and 2) reduce Vermont's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% from the 1990 baseline level by 2028, and by 75% from the 1990 level by 2050. As of 2011, Vermont's GHG emissions were almost unchanged from 1990. As of 2013, Vermont meets about 16% of its total energy needs with renewable energy resources.
Reports and Presentations
Total Energy Study Final Report
On December 5, 2014 the PSD completed the TES Final Report. The report also has five appendices.
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"Policy Options for Achieving Vermont's Renewable Energy and Carbon Targets." Prepared by the Regulatory Assistance Project for the Vermont Department of Public Service.
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"Total Energy Study: Progress Toward a Total Energy Approach to Meeting the State's Greenhouse Gas and Renewable Energy Goals." Report to the Vermont Legislature.
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"Energy Policy Options for Vermont: Technologies and Policies to Achieve Vermont's Greenhouse Gas and Renewable Energy Goals." Prepared by Dunsky Energy Consulting for the Department of Public Service.
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"Total Energy Study: Public and Stakeholder Engagement Appendices"
Total Energy Study Legislative Report
On December 15, 2013, the PSD completed the TES Legislative Report and its Appendices. The purpose of this report is to inform the Legislature and the public of progress to date in carrying out the TES.
Public Meeting and Webinar, November 14th
On November 14, 2013 the PSD held a public meeting at the Statehouse and via a webinar. The purpose of the meeting was to inform the public about the Total Energy Study and promote discussion on policy directions and technology pathways. The following documents are available for review:
Total Energy Study Framing Report
During the summer of 2013, the PSD sought input from stakeholders on the design of the Total Energy Study. In June 2013, the PSD issued a request for public comment, along with a TES Framing Report.