Dive Brief:

• The Vermont Public Service Board has proposed changes the state's net-metering program, simplifying the process and using price signals to encourage solar development in areas that have already been developed, Brattleboro Reformer reports. 
• The largest change would different price levels for net-metered systems depending on where they are developed. The proposed rule sets different returns for projects in developed areas like roofs, parking lots, landfills, and gravel pits and on town-preferred sites.
• The new rule would also require larger net-metering systems to conduct public outreach with local governments and neighboring property owners before filing an application.

Dive Insight:

Vermont regulators have begun revamping the state's net metering rules, under direction from the state legislature, with a goal of having new regulations in place by the Jan. 1.

Currently, net-metering systems over 15 kW receive the same price regardless of size or location. But the PSB has proposed different price levels to encourage siting in developed areas like roofs, parking lots, landfills, and gravel pits and on town-preferred sites. And the rule aims to simplify procedures for towns and members of the public to participate in net-metering application reviews.

And according to a statement from the PSB, the new rule "requires applicants seeking to build larger net-metering systems to conduct public outreach with local governments and neighboring property owners before filing an application."

Regulators will hold two hearings on the proposed changes next month, and written comments are due May 12.

Last month, the PSB released new draft rules for net metering and installation for small electrical generation projects. The changes would require utilities to credit system owners for excess energy exported to the grid from distributed generation at the tariff for general residential service or a blended version of varying tariffs. The renewable energy credits for the generation may go to the utilities.