Editor’s note: This commentary is by Jeff Forward, who is chair of the board of Renewable Energy Vermont and the owner of Forward Thinking Consultants of Richmond.
[V]ermonters have a strong independent streak and a respect for a healthy environment. The inclusion of solar energy in our local power mix is strongly supported because it helps us become more energy independent, reduces our reliance on out-of-state fossil fuels and helps reduce our global warming impact.
When debating our energy future Vermont has done well to have civil discussions that focus on facts rather than rhetoric. That is why I am extremely disappointed at how my utility, the Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC), is participating in the current discussion around the future of solar power in Vermont.
Recently a new report was released entitled “Vermont Solar Cost Study.” VEC misrepresented information from that report in an effort to reduce the compensation Vermonters would get when they go solar. An honest debate is one thing but knowingly misleading the public and/or regulators is unacceptable.
We need our co-op to be sticking to the facts and not fanning the flames based on misleading information.
Then, I was further disappointed by the email action alert I received as a VEC member further misleading the public and going after net metering customers — their members!
This was apparently sent to all customers encouraging them to attend public hearings on net metering and submit comments to the Public Service Board, but based again on misleading information. The co-op cites that pricing should reflect market realities. Net metering already does, since it’s based on retail rates, what all their customer pay. Further, they cite the cost of utility-scale projects as a basis for “fair pricing” for crediting customers. They also reference “developer driven large scale projects” leaving out that net metering is only for relatively small-scale projects and only occurs when co-op members choose to go solar. These are farms, businesses, towns and schools we are talking about. That’s not developer driven, that is customer driven! We need our co-op to be sticking to the facts and not fanning the flames based on misleading information.
Time after time we have seen reports from our state officials, our largest electric utility, and the state transmission company (VELCO) discussing the tremendous value that solar energy provides. There is obviously value to the health of our planet but there is also real financial value to Vermonters. VELCO has said that efficiency was the driver for avoiding $250 million worth of new transmission projects that ratepayers would have had to pick up the tab for.
Solar power in Vermont currently provides less that 5 percent of our electricity needs. If we are serious about reducing our reliance on fossil fuels then we need to be accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy, not trying to slow it down with misinformation and scare tactics. I hope my utility changes their tune and tactics soon.
Correction: According to the author, $250 million in deferred costs for VELCO in recent years should have been attributed to the benefits from efficiency that Vermont has realized, not from solar as originally stated.
