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Finance committee considers H.710 and H.940 on energy definitions and Burlington Electric funding
Summary
Senate Finance reviewed H.710 (narrow change to the definition of plant for renewable programs) and H.940 (a House Energy misc. bill) that would allow limited use of thermal funds by Burlington Electric Department, require planning updates, and repeal an inactive telecommunications advisory board.
Senate Finance also reviewed two related energy bills, H.710 and H.940, during the same session.
Members described H.710 as a narrowly focused measure amending the definition of "plant" for renewable facilities, affecting applicability in net metering and related programs. H.940 was presented as a miscellaneous House Energy bill that includes three topics: temporary authority for Burlington Electric Department to use thermal and fuel-efficiency funds for an expanded set of projects (with a requirement that at least 60% of the funds continue to be used on weatherization-type activities), updates to enhanced energy planning for regional planning commissions and municipalities, and repeal of the dormant telecommunications advisory board that has not met since 2021.
The committee emphasized it wants Burlington Electric and the Public Service Department to testify (they are scheduled for follow-up) to explain program eligibility, funding sources, and project examples. The chair noted the thermal funds come from the sale of RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) credits and forward capacity market savings and that the bill would allow some of those funds to be used for transportation programs and geothermal tests while maintaining the weatherization floor.
Senators discussed moving H.710 forward with the committee'report intact and sending H.940 to Natural Resources for further review on water and environmental sections. The committee set scheduling priorities: try to hear Burlington Electric and PUC testimony next week, take additional testimony on H.727 (data centers), and consider voting out H.710 if Burlington Electric can provide details in time.
No formal votes were recorded on H.710 or H.940 during this meeting; committee staff were asked to draft language and coordinate testimony where necessary.
