Fuel Source and Environmental Impact Disclosure

Summary

In 2002, Vermont enacted legislation (S.138) authorizing the state's Public Service Board (PSB) to develop standards for electricity suppliers to disclose information on fuel sources and the environmental impacts of electricity generation. Vermont's disclosure standards may address label forms and information related to retail and wholesale prices, terms and conditions of service, the fraction of generation resources in a seller's mix, the environmental effects of each energy source, and a description of other services, such as energy efficiency opportunities. This information will be provided to retail customers once per year. The law authorizes the PSB to develop standards regarding the substantiation and verification of any information disclosed, and any claims made by suppliers, along with enforcement procedures and penalties. The law also directs the PSB to weigh the costs and benefits of compliance when setting the standards. In June 2005, Vermont enacted legislation (S.52) creating a renewable portfolio goal. This law gave the PSB the authority to require utilities to disclose the types of generation they use, and if the energy is Vermont-based. The PSB has not yet developed disclosure standards for fuel sources and environmental impacts.