Line Extension Alternatives

The Public Service Board (PSB), now the Public Utilities Commission of Vermont, developed rules regarding utility line extension requests. While the majority of the regulations focus on the procedure followed (and associated fees) for the actual line extensions, the PSB also included a provision that requires electric utilities to provide written information to customers upon request about off-grid electricity generators as an alternative to line extensions. The PSB recognized that in many cases, off-grid electricity generators are less expensive than extending the electricity distribution lines, and therefore customers should be made aware of this option.