Vermont regulators, VPSA and towns move to stabilize Hyde Park Electric as statewide utility review begins

Representative Kathleen James convened the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure committee on Jan. 15 to hear testimony on the fiscal health and oversight of Vermont’s municipal electric utilities, with attention centered on an ongoing investigation into Hyde Park Electric.

"I understand that news regarding Hyde Park Electric helped prompt today's session," Ed McNamara, chair of the Vermont Public Utility Commission, told lawmakers as he outlined the PUC’s role and the rate‑setting process that governs municipal utilities. McNamara explained that utilities file Integrated Resource Plans every three years and that the PUC and the Department of Public Service (PSD) review filings and may open contested investigations when warranted.

Cara Johnson, who identified herself as commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Service, said the department launched a formal utility assessment this year — starting with members of the Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPSA) — to evaluate each utility’s financial status, operational condition and staffing. "The idea is to look at… financial status, operational take, and people," Johnson said, and she gave the committee a schedule that aims to complete interviews by June 30 and issue findings by October 1.

Johnson told lawmakers the Hyde Park situation surfaced after an Efficiency Vermont email in early September…