Many supporters of the Affordable Heat Act, also known as the Clean Heat Standard, are in denial about the key driver of this energy policy: The Fee.
The law is clear. Every gallon of heating oil, kerosene, and propane is counted. Every fuel dealer is required to register and report. Every gallon used for cooking, heating, and hot water is assessed a Clean Heat Fee. What will that fee be? Likely over a dollar a gallon, according to an independent study paid for by Vermont taxpayers. The law also requires the creation of a “Clean Heat Credit Exchange” in which a fuel dealer can purchase credits in lieu of the Clean Heat Fee, but that is still money Vermonters don’t have.
This is a problematic policy. Just ask the experts. Read the Vermont Public Utility Commission’s CHS Status Report. The PUC says the policy requires “substantial additional costs” and “a costly credit platform” with “potential for fraud and market manipulation.”
It is no wonder that the largest energy conglomerates and fossil fuel companies supported this law. It's the local energy companies that remain opposed. They are the ones working to preserve our rural way of life in Vermont by providing energy choices and competition.
The PUC writes that this credit exchange “does not make sense for Vermont.”
But it is not up to them. It is up to the Legislature. Let them know. Enough is enough.