Salmon: PSB’s duty is to view Vermont Yankee objectively
The three members of the Vermont Public Service Board are about to get more free advice than all the Boston Red Sox managers combined. That’s because the best case the opponents of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant have to shut the plant down is to convince the PSB that it is no longer worthy of a certificate of public good.
Washington Electric Co-Op asks PSB to consider public ownership options for VELCO
For immediate release Jan. 23, 2012 Contact Avram Patt Phone: 802-223-5245 Washington Electric Cooperative (WEC) is recommending that, as part of the Public Service Board’s investigation of the proposed GMP/CVPS merger, there be a full analysis of options for some form of public ownership of the state’s transmission grid operated by VELCO. In pre-filed testimony [...]
Public Service Board approves FairPoint plan
The Public Service Board has approved a four-year regulatory plan for FairPoint Communications that takes an important first step toward ensuring fair industry competition while providing pricing flexibility and protections for consumers.
Before the PSB: State senator leverages fight over independent counsel for Gaz Metro merger
Board grants Illuzzi motion to intervene on behalf of ratepayers; utilities, VELCO and the Department of Public Service oppose senator’s arguments
Public Service Board uses rate-setting power to promote gas pipeline expansion into Addison County
Board member John Burke argued against the two board members in the majority, saying that it’s “unfair and improper” to ask existing ratepayers to pay for the expansion and that Gaz Metro, which owns Vermont Gas, has hundreds of millions of dollars that are available for investment.
Activists protest private Smart Grid workshop with Public Service Board
Matt Levin of Vermonters for a Clean Environment ( www.vce.org ) commented on the lack of information made available to the general public about the proposed wireless Smart Meter buildout that has resulted in late public awareness and difficulties for the public to have meaningful participation in the process.
Companies say GMP, CVPS merger would be good for business
Representatives from Porter Medical Center, the Rutland Economic Development Corp., and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters spoke in favor of the merger.
Comment period for Vermont’s Comprehensive Energy Plan extended
The Department of Public Service extended the written comment period for the Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan on Friday, just a few days before the deadline on Oct. 10.
Assistance for income eligible Vermont telephone customers promoted
For thousands of Vermonters, without Lifeline they would be unable to have basic local telephone service. From September 12th – 18th, the Vermont Department of Public Service and the Public Service Board will join in the celebration of the nationally organized “Lifeline Awareness Week” and promote the Lifeline and Link-Up programs.
Public Service Board OKs electric bill low-income assistance program
The decision as outlined by Tierney established the need for this program very clearly: “Electricity is a necessity for a safe and healthy household. In 2009, there were 11,901 instances in Vermont of electric service disconnection. To lose electricity at a residence means to lose the light and heat of a home…. Electricity is a necessity that many Vermonters cannot afford.”
