If not gas, then what?

The Energy Industry is in a big hurry to

• Build new natural gas generators
• Restructure, deregulate, and compete
• Consolidate utility companies

Are these industry trends in the best interests of Vermonters?

1. With natural gas fueling virtually all new large-scale electricity generation development, what about renewables?
2. Will Rural Consumers See High Electricity Prices Under Deregulation? [Energy.com News]
3. Will Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS) and Green Mountain Power (GMP) - Vermont's largest electric utilities - be taken over by a large utility like Energy East?

For a look into the world as planned and executed by the energy industry, see what is happening in Maine. Natural gas pipelines and power plants throughout the state, passage of deregulation legislation, shedding of generation assets by the utility (Central Maine Power) leading to the takeover by Energy East. It was all done before most Mainers ever knew what was happening.

There is still time for Vermonters to play an active role in our energy future. Vermont can by-pass the "bridge" fuel of natural gas and go directly to renewables. In fact, the state's energy plan relies heavily on the future of renewable and environmentally sound energy, so much so that it is written into state law:

It is the general policy of the state of Vermont:
    To assure, to the greatest extent practicable, that Vermont can meet its energy service needs in a manner that is adequate, reliable, secure and sustainable, that assures affordability and encourages the state's economic vitality, the efficient use of energy resources and cost effective demand side management; and that is environmentally sound.
    To identify and evaluate on an ongoing basis, resources that will meet Vermont's energy service needs in accordance with the principles of least cost integrated planning; including efficiency, conservation and load management alternatives, wise use of renewable resources and environmentally sound energy supply.
    [Title 30, V.S.A. §202a]

Vermont energy policy dictates that:

• In the long term, Vermont must seek to reduce the consumption of all fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to renewable energy resources. [Vermont Twenty Year Electric Plan, 12/94, 1-4]
   
• The Department of Public Service has long understood its responsibility to include supporting the development of renewable energy resources and environmentally sound energy supply. [Renewable Energy Partnerships, Richard Sedano, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Service, 11/98]
   
• A strategy that favors the use of renewable fuels for new supply resources can benefit ratepayers since known future pollution control costs can be deferred or avoided. In addition, a renewable fuel strategy represents an insurance policy against the risk that future control costs may be higher than anticipated. [Vermont Twenty Year Electric Plan, 12/94, 4-41]
   
• Renewable energy is desirable to diversify new generation away from complete reliance on natural gas (the current preferred new generation source), to promote the development of sustainable energy supplies, and to continue addressing air quality and climate change concerns. [Renewable Energy Partnerships, Richard Sedano, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Service, 11/98]
   
• Vermont's energy consumption is the lowest for any State [ U.S. Department of Energy (1997 statistics)]
   

In the "competitive" marketplace of "consumer choice" planned by the energy industry, the residential consumers of the rural state of Vermont can expect to see comparatively high rates, as has happened with telephone and cable service.

Let's talk about the alternatives and make smart choices for future Vermonters. Rushing into deregulation, selling the nuclear generator to an international conglomerate, building huge natural gas generators and pipelines in environmentally sensitive areas are all contrary to the long-term best interests of Vermonters as outlined in all of the state's energy plans.

Our state's energy plan calls for policy makers to encourage and implement renewable energy strategies. The proposed billion dollar investment in burning fossil fuels in Vermont is in stark contrast to that plan. Any new investment in electricity generation must honor the state's commitment to long-term renewable, sustainable energy.