Critics raise concerns over renewable energy bill

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont utilities and regulators have raised concerns about a bill to require utilities to have 100% renewable energy generation by 2032 with 20% from local sources.

There is already legislation that requires 75% of energy generation to be renewable with 10% from local sources by 2032, Vermont Public Radio reported.

Critics of the new legislation say it could have consequences such as higher rates for consumers.

"Our big concern is that these new requirements would really put upward pressure on rates, increase rates, on people who can least afford to pay for it," said Andrea Cohen, Vermont Electric Cooperative's government relations manager.

Josh Castonguay, Green Mountain Power's chief innovation officer, said the company wants to double renewables by 2032 but is looking for flexibility in how that is accomplished.

The utility filed testimony that doubling the mandate on local sources would add between $350 million and $750 million in costs to customers.