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House orders third reading on H.940, clearing path for Burlington Electric flexibility and energy planning updates
Summary
H.940 would allow Burlington Electric temporary flexibility to use TEPF funds for broader programs, make technical updates to enhanced energy planning timelines, and dissolve the Telecommunications and Connectivity Advisory Board; committees recommended the bill and the House ordered third reading.
Representative James, reporting for the Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee, summarized H.940 as a multipart bill that (1) continues a temporary authority for Burlington Electric (BED) to use its allotted Thermal Energy and Process Fuel (TEPF) funds more broadly during the 2027–2029 budget cycle, with reporting and spending priorities including weatherization and low‑income targeting; (2) updates timelines and technical requirements for regional and municipal enhanced energy planning; and (3) disbands the Telecommunications and Connectivity Advisory Board because the Vermont Community Broadband Board now leads broadband planning.
On the BED TEPF item, the presenter said BED expects roughly $2.65 million in TEPF funds for the upcoming three‑year cycle and that the bill would prioritize approximately $1 million for weatherization, with $600,000 targeted to low‑ and moderate‑income Vermonters for pre‑weatherization work. The bill also requires BED to seek approval through the demand‑resource plan budget process and to report annually to the Public Utility Commission.
Committees reported favorably (Energy Committee 8‑1‑0; Appropriations 10‑0‑1) and the House ordered third reading. The measure bundles both substantive funding flexibility for one efficiency utility and narrow technical and planning changes for regions and municipalities.
