Committee debates H.753 rule changes on utility disconnections; members urge PUC rule update or targeted directive Lawmakers considered H.753, which would revise PUC rule 3.300 on medical certificates and disconnections and add hot‑weather protections and reporting. Members split between sending a committee letter and directing the PUC to amend the rule on a set timeline; no final vote was taken.

Vermont lawmakers are grappling with crucial updates to utility disconnection rules that could protect medically vulnerable customers and ensure safeguards during extreme heat.

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PUC flags broad language, practical hurdles in bill to expand medical protections from utility disconnection PUC staff told the committee H.753’s proposal to let non‑physician licensed providers sign medical certificates and to extend certificate duration is well‑intentioned but uses broad language. PUC asked for clearer definitions and cautioned about rulemaking timelines and jurisdiction over small water systems.

Vermont's new bill aims to ease utility disconnections for chronically ill customers, but concerns over vague language and practical hurdles could complicate its implementation.

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PUC tells committee net‑metering rate fix should be goal‑driven, not a single statutory price change PUC told the committee H.716’s approach of legislating a single net‑metering price risks higher net‑metering rates and cost‑shifts to non‑participants; the PUC recommended a legislative goal (for example, increased rooftop solar by 2030) and stakeholder rulemaking to set pricing to meet that goal.

Vermont's PUC warns that a proposed net-metering bill could hike rates for solar users and burden non-participants, urging a shift towards collaborative goal-setting instead.

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Bill tracks PUC recommendations to recognize and lightly regulate thermal energy networks H.609 would implement PUC recommendations from an Act 142 (2024) report by defining Thermal Energy Exchange Networks (TENS) in statute, add permissible purposes for entities such as fire districts, and generally favor light‑touch regulation to spur development.

A new bill in Vermont aims to revolutionize energy distribution by officially recognizing Thermal Energy Exchange Networks, promoting regional cooperation while keeping regulations light.

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