Irasburg

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:

• Public Utility Commission’s Citizen’s Guide to 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 Irasburg Substation Project 45-day notice package

Permitting Documents

VELCO filed a petition for Certificate of Public Good (CPG) and supporting documents, seeking approval of the Irasburg Substation Project with the Public Utility Commission on November 18, 2020 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 Irasburg Substation Project. Materials that contain Critcial Energy Infrastructure are not available for download. For more information about CEII please contact us. 

• Petition
• Index
• Motion for confidential treatment
• Motion to allow alternative service options
• Protective order
• Averment
• Certificate of service
• 202(f) letter
• Notice statement
• Landowner petition notice
• Letter to PUC
• Notice
• ANR fee form and letter
• Direct testimony of Dan Poulin
• Exhibit VELCO - DAP - 1: Resume
• Exhibit VELCO - DAP - 3: Cost estimate
• Exhibit VELCO - DAP - 4: 45 day package
• Exhibit VELCO - DAP - 6: Preconstruction sound report
• Exhibit VELCO - DAP - 7: Aesthetic report
• Direct testimony of Ed McGann
• Exhibit VELCO - EJM - 1: Resume
• Exhibit VELCO - EJM - 3: Aerial photograph and plan
• Exhibit VELCO - EJM - 4: General arrangement plan and elevations
• Exhibit VELCO - EJM - 5: Site plan
• Direct testimony of Andrew McMillan
• Exhibit VELCO - AM - 1: Resume
• Exhibit VELCO - AM - 2: Architectural survey summary memo
• Exhibit VELCO - AM - 3: Natural Resource Assessment Report
• Exhibit VELCO - AM - 4: Environmental Guidance Manual
• Exhibit VELCO - AM - 5: SF6 Policy

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

• Long-Range Planning
• Learning Center

Vermont Public Service Department
Vermont Public Utility Commission