S 65 Vermont Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An act relating to energy efficiency utility jurisdiction

S 65 amends Vermont law to require the Public Utility Commission to appoint independent entities (instead of utility-specific programs) to develop and monitor energy efficiency programs for electricity, gas, and thermal energy customers. These entities must prioritize greenhouse gas emissions reductions and equitable access for all Vermont residents and businesses, while meeting air quality standards. The bill establishes an Energy Efficiency Fund funded by a new customer charge (shown separately on bills) and supplemental revenues like ISO-NE capacity savings and carbon credits. It sets specific budget requirements for 2027-2030 and mandates that programs support building energy codes and reduce fossil fuel use. The bill directly affects Vermont utilities, ratepayers, and businesses participating in efficiency programs.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 11, 2025 Last action Apr 1, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
35
Key actions
19
Committee
21
Apr 1, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committed to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy on motion of Senator Baruth
upper
Apr 1, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations
upper
Apr 1, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Finance
upper
Apr 1, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
upper
Mar 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations
upper
Mar 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Finance
upper
Mar 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
upper
Mar 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations
upper
Mar 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Finance
upper
Mar 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
upper
Mar 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Appropriations
upper
Mar 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Finance
upper
Mar 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
upper
Mar 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations
upper
Mar 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Finance
upper
Mar 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
upper
Mar 21, 2025
Committee
Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Senate Rule 31
upper
Mar 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Finance
upper
Mar 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
upper
Mar 18, 2025
Committee
Referred to Committee on Finance per Senate Rule 31
upper
Mar 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
upper
Feb 11, 2025
Introduced
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
upper
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors