SPEED is typically applied to larger scale renewable energy systems where power produced may frequently exceed the residence or business usage, or if it is purely a generation site.  This type of system requires dedicated metering and communications to track the output.

SPEED Standard Offer Q& A

• What is the so called “SPEED Standard Offer”?
• Is this different from Net Metering?
• Is it available for existing renewable energy systems?
• How does it work?
• How is the generation metered and reported?
• Who is the SPEED Administrator, how do I contact him?

What is the so called “SPEED Standard Offer?”

Under the General Assembly’s recently enacted Energy Bill (H.446) Act 45, SPEED is defined as Sustainably Priced Energy Enterprises.  The bill relates specifically to renewable energy and efficiency, and is intended to encourage new facilities producing power though renewable means.

Is this different from Net Metering?

Yes.  With net metering typically your house meter is the only metering device (except in group applications).  Energy produced simply reduces the amount of power purchased from VEC, giving you retail credit -- up to the amount that you use.  You may generate enough to receive a credit from time to time, but you will never receive a payment for power.

The SPEED resources are essentially generation sites where all the Vermont utilities are required to buy their retail sale load share of Vermont small power producers output, as with Vermont’s VEPPI units which consist of 17 Vermont hydro generators and one wood burning generator.

Is it available for existing renewable energy systems?

No.

How does it work?

The Standard Offer sets retail rates for qualifying renewable energy systems.  The current interim rates for solar, wind, hydro, and landfill and farm methane digestion can be found at:

http://vermontspeed.com/standard-offer-rates/

Additional information can be found on the Vermont Public Service Board website at:

http://psb.vermont.gov/docketsandprojects/electric/7523

How is the generation metered and reported?

SPEED resources are relatively new, and details about the program are being developed through Statewide collaborative working groups.  Currently it is proposed that for smaller systems (15 kW or less) the host utility would meter the facility at the customer’s cost and report the generation to the SPEED Facilitator on a monthly basis.

For larger systems, hourly generation data must be reported on a daily basis to the SPEED Administrator.  This means that the generation site must have communication capability, and a compatible metering device.  These, along with any engineering, system impact and permitting costs are borne solely by the site developer/generator.

How do I contact the SPEED Administrator for more information?

The SPEED administrator can be contacted at:

http://vermontspeed.com/