Vermont's Energy Future
The engagement process
The Department of Public Service has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive, statewide public engagement process on energy planning focused on energy supply choices facing the state beginning in 2012 and beyond. The purpose of the process will be to educate the public about the energy supply challenges facing the state; to gather meaningful and informed public input about values and preferences of Vermonters regarding energy supply; and by achieving the first two objectives, to ensure broad-based public acceptance of the resulting choices.
Vermont utilities must replace 2/3 of Vermont’s electric supply between 2012 and 2016. Vermont’s utilities are responsible for replacing these resources. Some or all of these choices will require regulatory or governmental approval. These choices will have great implications for the social, economic and environmental condition of our state. Due to the significance of the choices, public understanding, input, and support for the ultimate choices is essential.
By the nature of evaluating all energy supply options, this engagement process shall be designed to gather public information and will consider the acceptability of extending the Vermont Yankee license beyond it’s expiration date. Consideration of this option requires a thorough evaluation of public sentiment and the economic as well as environmental considerations related to extending Vermont Yankee’s license. Vermont Yankee Nuclear is the State’s lone nuclear power plant.