Vermont House Bill H0354

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

An act relating to a thermal efficiency benefits charge

Impact

The bill proposes amendments to the existing statutes regarding thermal energy and process fuel efficiency funding mechanisms. By introducing the thermal efficiency benefits charge, it aims to incentivize and fund energy efficiency improvements, particularly in heating systems that utilize biomass as a sustainable energy source. The charge would appear separately on the bills of affected consumers, ensuring transparency regarding its application.

Summary

House Bill H0354 seeks to establish a new charge, known as the thermal efficiency benefits charge, aimed at improving thermal energy efficiency for consumers. This charge will be applied to customers using unregulated fuels and will support various energy efficiency programs. It is intended to energetically enhance state capacity for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with existing environmental standards.

Contention

While the bill promotes sustainability through the encouragement of efficient heating systems and the use of biomass, potential points of contention may arise regarding the additional costs imposed on consumers through the new charge. Discussions may focus on the economic implications for households relying on unregulated thermal energy, questioning whether the benefits of improved efficiency justify the new expense. Policymakers will need to balance environmental goals with the financial impacts on consumers.