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Read. Follow. Verify.Vermont House Bill 196 prioritizes greenhouse gas reductions and equitable access for energy efficiency utilities
Last action · February 12, 2025: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital InfrastructureSponsor: Kate Logan
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What This Bill Would Do
House Bill 196 directs the Vermont Public Utility Commission to require energy efficiency utilities to prioritize greenhouse gas emissions reductions and equitable access for all residents and businesses. The measure sets budget guidelines, establishes funding mechanisms, and mandates targeted programs for low- to moderate-income customers and small businesses, taking effect on July 1, 2025.
Vermont residents and businesses will experience shifts in energy efficiency program availability, funding allocations, and potential s on utility bills as the state mandates greenhouse gas reduction priorities for appointed utility entities.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Vermont consumers
Utility customers may see adjusted energy efficiency charges on bills and gain access to expanded conservation and electrification programs.
Residential customers with low to moderate income
Not less than 25 percent of the annual budget is specifically targeted toward providing efficiency services to this group.
Small businesses and not-for-profit organizations
Not less than 12.5 percent of the annual budget must be targeted for services supporting small businesses and not-for-profits.
Public Utility Commission
The Commission is tasked with updating rules, reviewing utility plans, establishing volumetric charges, and overseeing new reporting requirements.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of House Bill 196?
Are there specific funding targets for low-income residents and small businesses?
When does this legislation take effect?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Feb 12, 2025HouseIntroducedRead first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Mandate Reorientation Toward Emissions Reductions
The legislation explicitly shifts the statutory focus of energy efficiency utilities from standard energy savings toward mandatory greenhouse gas reduction targets and equitable program distribution.
Connected Entities
Sources
legislature.vermont.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz35Current news / social attention level
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