An act relating to increasing the size of solar net metering projects that qualify for expedited registration
Sponsored By: Anne E Watson (Democrat/Progressive)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Faster registration for small solar systems
Beginning July 1, 2025, Vermont net metering systems of 25 kilowatts or less qualify for faster registration. The Public Utility Commission must update its rules and run a net metering program that accounts for changing technology costs. Systems over 25 kilowatts generally require application copies for specified agencies and steps before applying. Those extra steps do not apply to systems on structures mainly used for something other than generating electricity. Rules for issuing or revoking project approval cannot be weaker than existing requirements.
Less recording paperwork for energy facilities
Beginning July 1, 2025, Vermont raises the land-record notice threshold for electricity generation and energy storage facilities. It rises from more than 15 kilowatts to more than 25 kilowatts. Above the new threshold, certificate holders must record notice of project approval or an amendment within 45 days after issuance. Notice must appear in the land records of every municipality where the facility is located. Certificate holders no longer need to send proof of recording to the Public Utility Commission.
More choice over net metering credits
Vermont net metering customers can keep their energy’s environmental benefits and renewable energy credits or transfer them to their utility. Keeping them reduces the electricity bill credit by an appropriate amount. Beginning July 1, 2025, customers can change that choice once within 120 days after the system starts operating. Owners of systems commissioned from January 1, 2023 through July 1, 2025 also had a one-time transfer option. They had to request that change from the Public Utility Commission by September 2, 2025; that deadline has passed. Utilities must retain transferred credits for renewable-energy compliance, though utilities with fewer than 75,000 customers need not apply them toward those requirements. A 100-percent renewable utility that does not retire transferred credits must apply an equivalent amount from qualifying distributed renewable generation toward compliance.
Small solar projects face changed setbacks
Beginning July 1, 2025, Vermont ground-mounted solar facilities of 25 kilowatts or less generally need 10-foot setbacks from highways and other property boundaries. This adds setbacks for facilities of 15 kilowatts or less, which previously needed none. It reduces the prior setbacks for facilities over 15 through 25 kilowatts. Qualifying parking canopies already built or permitted when the application is filed are exempt. The Public Utility Commission can require larger setbacks or approve smaller ones agreed to by the parties.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Anne E Watson
Democrat/Progressive • Senate
Cosponsors
Ruth E Hardy
Democratic • Senate
Scott L Beck
Republican • Senate
Seth Bongartz
Democratic • Senate
Terry K Williams
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Senate Message: Signed by Governor 5/28/2025
5/29/2025SenateSigned by Governor on May 28, 2025
5/29/2025SenateDelivered to Governor on May 22, 2025
5/22/2025SenateAs passed by Senate and House
5/14/2025SenateHouse message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment to House proposal of amendment
5/14/2025HouseSenate proposal of amendment to House proposal of amendment concurred in
5/13/2025HouseAction Calendar: Unfinished Business
5/13/2025HouseAction Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment to House Proposal of Amendment
5/12/2025HouseNotice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment to House Proposal of Amendment
5/9/2025HouseSenate Message: House proposal of amendment concurred in with further proposal of amendment thereto
5/8/2025SenateHouse proposal of amendment concurred in with further proposal of amendment as moved by Senator(s) Watson
5/7/2025SenateHouse proposal of amendment; text
5/7/2025SenateProposal of amendment to be offered by Senator(s) Watson
5/7/2025SenateUnfinished Business/House Proposal of Amendment
5/7/2025SenateNew Business/House Proposal of Amendment
5/6/2025SenateHouse proposal of amendment
5/2/2025SenateEntered on Notice Calendar
5/2/2025SenateHouse message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment
5/1/2025HouseRead third time and passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
4/30/2025HouseRep. Harrison of Chittenden asked and was granted leave to withdraw amendment
4/30/2025HouseRep. Harrison of Chittenden and McCoy of Poultney moved to amend the House proposal of amendment
4/30/2025HouseAction Calendar: Third Reading
4/30/2025HouseThird Reading ordered
4/29/2025HouseReport of Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure agreed to
4/29/2025HousePoint of order ruled well taken
4/29/2025House
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 38)Opens in a new window
6/3/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers
5/27/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
5/27/2025
As Passed by the Senate
5/8/2025
House Proposal of Amendment
5/1/2025
House Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)
5/1/2025
As Passed by the Senate (Unofficial)
3/18/2025
As Introduced
2/4/2025
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