An act relating to renewable energy generation

H.394 requires renewable energy developers to align projects with Vermont Conservation Design and state energy goals during planning. It limits the Public Utility Commission's review of grid upgrades to stability, reliability, and public health/safety, while creating a Public Energy Advocate to support applicants. The bill also sets a minimum annual target of 20 MW for net metering systems and increases the threshold for stricter review from 15 kW to 25 kW for larger installations. These changes directly affect solar/wind developers, local planning bodies, and the PUC, streamlining approvals for smaller projects (12 months for ≤5 MW) while maintaining environmental and safety safeguards.