Participation in the Vermont Standard Offer Program by Vermont’s Farmers
Vermonters appreciate and value the contribution to our communities by Vermont’s Farmers. The Vermont Legislature included special provisions for farmers in the laws governing the Standard Offer Program. A summary of these special provisions follows:
Farm Methane plants can receive a 20-year Standard Offer Contract at any time by contacting the Standard Offer Facilitator. There are no limits on the number of Farm Methane Plants that can receive Standard Offer Contracts. (Note: farm methane plants must still be permitted under Section 248.)
Farm Methane plants do not have to participate in the annual reverse auction process to get a rate. Farm Methane Plants will receive the following rates:
- For plants larger than 150 kW – $0.145/kWh
- For plants 150 kW or smaller – $0.199/kWh
The Vermont Public Utility Commission issued Order dated June 07, 2024 Order Establishing 2024 Standard-Offer Prices for Existing Hydro and Farm Methane Plants pursuant to 30 V.S.A. § 8005a(f)(2), determining the avoided costs that will serve as the prices for farm methane plants under the Standard Offer Program.
Farm Methane plants are unique in the Standard Offer Program in that the Renewable Credits (RECs) accrue to the farmer and not to the Vermont Utilities. The farmers can choose to sell their RECs to utilities in the ISO New England service territory (including Vermont) and recognize an additional revenue stream.