Specifications include, but are not limited to: Section 8125(e)(1)(A) of Act 18 calls for the Department to conduct and complete a potential study no later than September 1, 2024. The primary objective of the potential study is the assessment and quantification of technical and economic potential as well as two types of achievable potential (maximum and program achievable) thermal sector resources. The results shall include a comparison to the legal obligations of the thermal sector portion of the requirements of the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA”)3 . The potential study shall also consider and evaluate market conditions for delivery of clean heat measures within the State, including an assessment of current workforce characteristics, a business-as-usual forecast of capacity, and an assessment quantifying any anticipated gaps in meeting consumer demand as well as meeting the obligations of the GWSA. The results of the potential study will be used in the context of the Commission’s Case 23-2221- INV4 . This proceeding was opened July 1, 2023, pursuant to 30 V.S.A. § 8125(e)(1) to “establish the default delivery agent credit cost or costs and the quantity of credits to be generated for the subsequent three-year period” and directly related matters. Obligated entities can earn clean heat credits by delivering clean heat measures, contracting for the delivery of clean heat measures, or purchasing/trading clean heat credits to satisfy their obligation as determined by the PUC. However, prior approval from the Commission is required for any entity that wishes to meet its annual requirement using a method other than the default delivery agent. Among other things, the PUC proceeding will determine and establish clean heat measures, clean heat credits and their cost, and one or more default delivery agents. Note, Act 18 allows for inclusion of retroactive actions taken starting January 1, 2023.
