Study of the impacts of regulations affecting the acceptance of Integrated Community Energy Systems: public utility, energy facility siting and municipal franchising regulatory programs in Vermont. Preliminary background report

• Main Authors: Feurer, D A, Weaver, C L, Gallagher, K C, Hejna, D, Rielley, K J
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: 32 ENERGY CONSERVATION; CONSUMPTION; AND UTILIZATION; 29 ENERGY PLANNING; POLICY AND ECONOMY; ICES; REGULATIONS; VERMONT; COMMUNITIES; DECISION MAKING; ENERGY CONSERVATION; ENERGY FACILITIES; GOVERNMENT POLICIES; HUMAN POPULATIONS; IMPLEMENTATION; INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS; LAWS; LEGAL ASPECTS; LOCAL GOVERNMENT; NATIONAL GOVERNMENT; OPERATION; PUBLIC UTILITIES; SITE SELECTION; STATE GOVERNMENT; NORTH AMERICA; NORTH ATLANTIC REGION; POPULATIONS; USA; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/5420684; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5420684; https://doi.org/10.2172/5420684

The authority to regulate public utilities is vested generally in the Vermont Public Service Board (PSC). The PSB is comprised of three members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. PSB members serve six year terms. Members must be free from any employment or pecuniary interests in any company subject to the supervision of the PSB. Local governments retain little regulatory authority over public utilities. Local governments are responsible for regulating the use of streets and other public property, but any person aggrieved by a local decision may appeal to the PSB within thirty days. The PSB is to review the local action at a public hearing and its decision is final. Public utility regulatory statutes, energy facility siting programs, and municipal franchising authority are examined to identify how they may impact on the ability of an organization, whether or not it be a regulated utility, to construct and operate an ICES.