In an April blog post, we expressed our very strong concerns over the section of the Vermont Renewable Energy Standard Bill (H. 289) that would do away with almost all of offsite net metering, which is the way that you and others can broadly share the benefits of your Vermont solar energy system with others who are served by the same electric utility that you are. (You can read up on our take on the H.289 bill here). While H. 289 has now become law, it does call for a study as to what should replace offsite net metering for Vermont solar customers.
Our Vermont primary elections are less than one week away, and the general election in November will be here before we know it. Recent weather events in Vermont show us that climate change is here and aggressive actions are needed. Since Vermont scale solar shared with others is a very real and vital step that you can be part of, ask candidates these questions, and don’t take vague answers:
1. Do you favor the ability of Vermont families and businesses to share the benefits of their renewable energy system with others?
2. Do you believe that people should be able to install these systems with fewer regulatory burdens? (Or ask if the candidate thinks folks should need a state-issued permit to buy a car!)
3. Should solar incentives be going up and not down, especially when the benefits of the systems being built can be shared liberally with others?
We are uniquely fortunate to have very direct access to those who devote their time and energy to running for and serving in our Vermont citizen legislature. When we ask these types of questions in a clear, respectful and determined way, we are doing our part as citizens, and helping candidates understand that our renewable energy future must involve the installation of projects of all sizes and types, not percentages or platitudes.