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Utilities back House version of data-center bill but seek flexible contract language and clearer agency roles
Summary
Utility witnesses told the Senate committee they support H.727's requirement that large data centers be served by retail utilities but asked for flexibility in equity-contract language and clearer lines of authority among the PUC, Agency of Natural Resources and land-use boards. GMP engineers outlined study thresholds for interconnection and said upgrade costs fall to the interconnecting customer.
Ken Nolan, a utility general manager testifying virtually, told the Senate Natural Resources & Energy Committee that his utility supports the House-passed H.727 data-center bill and the provision that large loads be served by retail providers rather than directly to transmission customers.
"We believe that the requirement for data centers to be served by retail service providers is...a key provision," Nolan said, adding that the bill's 20-megawatt threshold is appropriate for Vermont-scale planning.
Why it matters: H.727 would set a regulatory expectation about how large new electric loads (data centers and similar facilities) interconnect to Vermont's grid. Utility witnesses said retail connection better protects existing customers and makes it clearer how costs and system upgrades should be allocated.
Key utility recommen…
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