Vermont General Assembly increases solar net metering project size for expedited approval process.

Annette Smith, executive director of Reminders for a Clean Environment, told the Senate Finance committee that H.0710’s change to the 'single plant' definition could reopen lengthy litigation tied to two adjacent Apple Hill solar projects in Bennington and urged delaying the change until pending cases are resolved.

Rep. Greg Burke introduced a bill to raise the state's uniform capacity tax on utility-scale solar arrays from about $4 per kilowatt to $16 per kilowatt, saying the change would align tax treatment with other utilities and direct half the new revenue to the Farm Security Special Fund to help farmers.

Jared Cobb of Catamount Solar told the House Energy committee that sudden loss of a federal tax credit, $62 million in state funding changes and negative net‑metering adjusters have pushed payback periods from about 7–8 years to 12–13 years, and he urged lawmakers to eliminate the 'behind‑the‑meter' deduction in H.716.

Witnesses urged H.716 to reduce the -4/kWh penalty for behind-the-meter use and to incentivize batteries; the Public Service Department warned the bill could raise rates, not change greenhouse gas emissions and may be technically infeasible for utilities lacking hourly meters.

Representative Chris Morrow introduced H.716 to cap the negative rate adjuster at 4¢ and to exclude behind‑the‑meter consumption from that adjuster, aiming to support rooftop solar and reduce barriers created by shrinking federal credits and PUC rate adjustments.

Representative Morrow presented a bill incorporating Public Utility Commission-requested fee increases for certificates of public good (including rooftop and modification fees); members asked whether higher fees could discourage rooftop solar and requested PUC testimony on revenue and deployment impacts.

A Senate Transportation member raised a constituent complaint that New England Central has not responded to requests for an electrical crossing needed to connect the Green/Putney Acres solar project; rail bureau director Bridal Delabrio offered to contact NECR government‑affairs staff and property management to help move the matter forward.

Vermont solar developers and installers testified that federal tariffs and new HR1 limits on tax credits are increasing costs and reducing residential uptake. Installers said safe‑harbor rules and a recently updated state renewable standard provide a multi‑year runway for larger projects, but long permitting timelines and conditional IRA awards for

Vermont enacts changes to net metering rules for systems 25 kW or smaller.

PUC allows attribute transfer and expedited registration for small net metering solar systems

Representative Hamish provides updates on correcting net metering mistakes for solar customers

Lawmakers debate issues hindering solar project approvals and propose changes to net metering.