Connecting & Activating Vermont Communities

Act 174 and Municipal Energy Planning

Under Act 174 of 2016, towns and regional planning commissions have the opportunity to submit enhanced energy plans to the Vermont Public Utility Commission that, if approved,  recieve “substantial deference” (essentially, they carry more weight in the minds of decision makers) on issues of permitting for energy projects. Getting these plans right will help determine whether Vermont will reach its goal of getting 90 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2050.  Addressing energy in the town plan involves an analysis of energy use, identifying efficiency opportunities, including land use and transportation strategies, and identifying potential renewable energy resources.

Regional Planning Commissions can provide direct technical support and assistance to municipalities engaged in energy planning. They have data and maps to support planning in municipalities in their region. Follow this link to find your Regional Planning Commission.

A list of resources to assist your municipality in energy planning is below. Questions about energy planning can also be sent to: [email protected].

Resources: