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Committee reviews bill to let Burlington Electric spend thermal funds on weatherization and efficiency
Summary
The House Energy committee considered draft language authorizing Burlington Electric Department to use its thermal energy and process-fuel funds over a multi-year period for programs that reduce fossil fuels and greenhouse gases, with at least 60% dedicated to weatherization and a priority for low- and moderate-income customers. Committee and the Department called the proposal a negotiated compromise; more testimony is expected.
The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure committee on Wednesday reviewed draft committee bill language that would let the Burlington Electric Department use its thermal energy and process-fuel funds for a broader set of weatherization and efficiency programs, including measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ellen Jankowski of Legislative Council said the provision is drafted as a standalone session-law authorization for an efficiency utility that also serves retail customers — language aimed specifically at Burlington Electric Department. The draft would allow the entity to spend its annually budgeted thermal energy and process-fuel funds over a multi-year performance period (noted in the draft as 2027–2029) on programs that reduce fossil-fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions in the thermal and transportation sectors. "The entity shall also prioritize weatherization and thermal sector efficiency programs within its offerings…and shall budget at least 60% of the funds for programs under this section for weatherization and thermal sector…
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