Highgate Substation Project
Regulatory Process
Transmission siting in Vermont is guided by a regulatory process, known informally as Section 248 (technically, Title 30, Section 248 of the Vermont Statutes), that requires utilities, such as VELCO, to obtain a certificate of public good or CPG, from the Vermont Public Service Board before site preparation or construction can begin on an electric transmission facility. The Board reviews planning studies, environmental reports, natural resource assessments, analysis of alternatives, and cost estimates, among other project impacts.
More information about the 248 process:
Advance Notice
The 45-Day Notice package is a detailed project description sent 45 days before filing with the Public Utility Commission to local select boards and other officials to enable community leaders to review and discuss the project’s impacts with residents, and to provide input before the start of formal proceedings before the Commission. The 45-day notice is a requirement of Vermont law and Public Utility Commission rules.
Download the Highgate Substaiton Project 45-day notice package.
Permitting Documents
VELCO filed a petition for Certificate of Public Good (CPG) and supporting documents, seeking approval of the Highgate Substation Project on October 5, 2022. The CPG was granted on December 2, 2022. This library contains all of the public documents filed with the Public Utility Commission as part of VELCO’s petition for a CPG for the Highgate Substation Project. Materials that contain Critical Energy Infrastructure Information are listed but are not available for download. For more information about CEII please contact us.
- Cover letter and petition
- 202(f) letter
- Notice of appearance
- Motion for confidential treatment
- Confidentiality averment log
- Certificate of service
- Landowner notice certification
- Prefiled testimony of Dan Poulin
- Exhibit VELCO-DP-1: Resume
- Exhibit VELCO-DP-2: Cost estimate
- Exhibit VELCO-DP-4: 45-day advance notice
- Exhibit VELCO-DP-5: Regional and town plan excerpts
- Exhibit VELCO-DP-6: VSPC minutes
- Exhibit VELCO-DP-7: Aesthetic analysis
- Exhibit VELCO-DP-8: USGS location map
- Prefiled testimony of Ed McGann
- Exhibit VELCO-EJM-1: Resume
- Exhibit VELCO-EJM-2: One-line diagram
- Exhibit VELCO-EJM-3: Aerial photograph
- Exhibit VELCO-EJM-4: General arrangement plan and elevations
- Exhibit VELCO-EJM-5: Site plan with grading details
- Prefiled testimony of Andy McMillan
- Exhibit VELCO-AM-1: Resume
- Exhibit VELCO-AM-2: Historic sites memorandum
- Exhibit VELCO-AM-3: Natural resource assessment memorandum
- Exhibit VELCO-AM-4: Non native invasive species plan
Public Utility Commission Orders
Resources
Many resources exists for learning more about the regulatory process, electric transmission, grid planning and reliability, non-transmission alternatives and power supply. Here are some helpful sources.
VELCO resources
Vermont Public Service Department
Vermont Public Utility Commission