VT H0278

Vermont's distribution and transmission utilities must submit a report and electric system map to the Department of Public Service by December 31, 2026, identifying optimal locations for energy storage facilities and flexible load management initiatives.

The report must include cost-benefit analyses quantifying returns on investment, effects on retail electric rates, identification of critical facilities (hospitals, emergency shelters, community centers) that would benefit from enhanced reliability during outages, and estimates of greenhouse gas reductions and economic development benefits.

The Department of Public Service must collaborate with electric utilities, VELCO, regional planning commissions, and environmental organizations, and integrate findings into existing energy plans and the Climate Action Plan.

The plan must be updated biennially and incorporate data from the Municipal Energy Resilience Program assessment, VELCO's Long-Range Transmission Plan, environmental justice mapping tools, and utility resource plans.

The Clean Energy Development Board is required to use the energy resiliency plan as a guide for awarding grants for energy storage facility development in the identified priority locations.