Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's Municipal Energy Resilience Grant Program to include funding for purchasing or replacing equipment that reduces energy consumption, in addition to existing provisions for improving municipal building efficiency and heating systems. The program will provide grants to cities, towns, fire districts, and incorporated villages, with up to $500,000 per municipality for approved energy projects and up to $4,000 for community outreach activities. Funding totaling $45 million will be drawn from the American Rescue Plan Act, with grants prioritized for municipalities facing the highest energy burdens and those lacking administrative support. The Department of Buildings and General Services will administer the program in coordination with Efficiency Vermont and regional planning commissions, which will help municipalities apply and conduct necessary energy assessments.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Commissioner for Children and Families to annually adjust the maximum financial assistance amounts for families participating in the Reach Up program. The adjustments will be based on the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Market Rents data. The legislation also allows housing allowances to be increased up to 120 percent of fair market rents for families that include an individual with a disability. These changes would take effect on July 1, 2023, and directly affect families receiving financial assistance through the Reach Up program.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Affordable Heat Act, which establishes a Clean Heat Standard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating in Vermont's residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The program requires energy companies and heating fuel sellers to earn tradeable clean heat credits by delivering low-carbon heating technologies, efficiency improvements, or weatherization services to customers. The Public Utility Commission will manage the credit system and ensure the program protects low-income households and minimizes costs for all energy users.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Public Utility Commission's authority to regulate thermal energy networks, which distribute heat from noncombustible sources like geothermal systems to buildings for heating and cooling. It requires the Commission to create rules for permitting these networks and mandates a public good certificate before any company can build such infrastructure, ensuring projects align with regional and municipal planning. The legislation also prohibits expanding natural gas service into new areas and directs the Commission to develop a tiered discount system for low-income energy assistance. Additionally, it sets up a collaborative group to design an electricity affordability program focused on helping low-income residential customers pay their utility bills.