Rutland The Solar Capital of Vermont

Project Plan August 21, 2012

Rutland, the Solar Capitol of Vermont

“Rutland, the Solar Capital of Vermont” Promise As part of the merger between Green Mountain Power (GMP) and Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS), GMP made an extraordinary commitment to the City of Rutland and its energy future. As the Solar Capital of Vermont, Rutland will be a shining example of how fostering investments in renewable energy can help grow a more vibrant local economy. Through innovative and unique partnerships, Rutland will become a green leader in the state and in the region by achieving at least 6,250 kW of installed solar capacity, the most installed solar capacity per capita of any city in the Northeast, by the end of 2017. Taking our vision a step further, we hope to help initiate a broad and enduring phase of transformation and revitalization for Rutland and our valued customers – and create a model for other communities to emulate. In so doing, we hope to create clean, renewable energy and serve as a catalyst for others, and help bend the cost curve for solar development. GMP acknowledges that the objectives of transforming Rutland into the Solar Capital of Vermont cannot be achieved on our own. Rather, we intend to meet the Solar Capital objectives through a high level of community engagement and partnerships with other businesses, institutions and individuals. The commitment from a wide range of participants, using our collective resources, funding arrangements and wisdom will help to achieve our vision. A cornerstone principle of this effort will be to build and maintain strong and long-lasting business partnerships with key stakeholders, including customers, the City of Rutland, regional economic development and planning organizations, schools and participants across the entire solar supply chain; from manufacturers to distributors and installers, support businesses and ultimately to our customers. At each step along the way, we will encourage developers to open local offices here, hire local labor, and make long-term commitments to Rutland’s downtown area, in addition to building renewable energy projects. Individual contributions to the redevelopment effort will cumulatively help revitalize the local economy, contribute new and sustainable jobs, and begin the re-occupation of existing commercial spaces that have been vacant for too long.

Close Alignment with Energy Policy In 2011 the Vermont Department of Public Service published a Comprehensive Energy Plan1 setting an ambitious goal to have 90 percent of Vermont’s energy needs come from with renewable energy by 2050. Achieving that plan “will require us to virtually eliminate Vermont’s reliance on fossil fuels, 1

Vermont Department of Public Service, December, 2011, Comprehensive Energy Plan, p. 1, Retrieved from http://publicservice.vermont.gov/pub/state-plans-compenergy.html

Rutland, the Solar Capitol of Vermont which we can do through enhanced efficiency and greater use of clean, renewable sources for electricity, heating and transportation.” The Solar Capital of Vermont will contribute toward meeting Vermont’s renewable energy goals, and represents an important step toward achieving GMP’s vision of becoming “The best small utility in America”.2

Catalyst for Change The launch of any new initiative begins with a single step and then continuing the drive to maintain momentum. GMP is committed to serving as a catalyst for change by continuing the transformation of Rutland into a vibrant economic force in Vermont and building on the successes of the city and regional champions who have been working hard toward this goal. Launching an initiative is relatively simple, but maintaining momentum is hard. GMP is further committed to helping maintain momentum as we come together as a community and revitalize Rutland, the place so many of us call home. These concrete steps listed next are structured as the launching pad for the Solar Capital of Vermont project, with a comprehensive public outreach plan that we hope will create excitement and inspire action. Solar Summit At the August 21, 2012 Solar Summit, GMP will present its vision of Rutland becoming the Solar Capital of Vermont to stakeholders including officials from the City of Rutland and the Vermont Department of Public Service, potential development partners and other local leaders. This important kick-off meeting will set the stage for a vigorous implementation of the Solar Capital of Vermont concept. GMP is committed to making quick progress and facilitating planning activities. Creek Path Solar Farm The first official Solar Capital project will be known as the Creek Path Solar Farm. On August 2, 2012, GMP issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to build a 150-kilowatt solar array on GMP’s property located on Cleveland Avenue in Rutland, adjacent to East Creek and the city’s new Creek Path, a pedestrian path now under construction. The Creek Path Solar Farm will be completed and online in 2012.

2

Ibid

Rutland, the Solar Capitol of Vermont

Location, Location, Location Brownfield development is one key to any revitalization and redevelopment effort and the Solar Capital of Vermont effort is no different. We want to work closely with all stakeholders to come up with creative ideas about ways to repurpose existing unproductive buildings, otherwise unusable land and brownfields. We will also consider when a solar installation may not be the best use of a particular site when other types of (re)development would generate greater economic value to Rutland. Otherwise, stakeholder collaboration can appropriately allocate resources to evaluate what makes the most sense about the types and sizes of solar arrays, large or small. Such array locations include but are not limited to backyards, empty lots or roofs; residences and businesses; or any other feasible type of land or structure. We fervently believe that the most successful partners in this initiative will demonstrate their commitment to Rutland by maintaining a meaningful presence in Rutland and actively engaging with the community. Whether a firm wants to open a small office or a major regional office, Rutland and the State of Vermont have the resources available to help make that a reality. Stakeholders will find that doing business in Vermont, and particularly in Rutland, is unlike any other experience offered in a larger state in terms of responsiveness from key decision-makers. We invite businesses, and investors, to come make full use of these valuable resources.

Setting Sights on Achievement The project goal is ambitious for a small community like Rutland. However, there are quite a few tools and creative development models that can be employed. The following are examples of projects that will accomplish the vision to make Rutland the Solar Capital of Vermont. This list is a starting point, and we encourage other innovative people to share their ideas with us for future consideration. Net Metering / Group Net Metering – With legislation passed in 2012, Net Metering provides an effective mechanism for private firms and individuals to invest in alternative energy projects. GMP encourages developers and customers to take advantage of this opportunity, and we’d like to see as much of those renewable dollars invested here in Rutland as possible. As of the date of this plan, in GMP’s new combined service area the current net metering cap established by the legislature is about 28,300 kW. Roughly 15,500 kW of net metering projects has already been installed in GMP’s service area or is in some form of development. Approximately 12,800 kW of net metering projects remains available in GMP’s service area under the current cap.

Rutland, the Solar Capitol of Vermont Brownfield Redevelopment – Using EPA resources and potential grant money, participants will be encouraged to redevelop brownfield sites in the Rutland area to give otherwise dormant land a new purpose and help rebuild the tax base for the City. GMP has been collaborating with City and Regional planning partners to identify where those brownfield sites are on the map for developers by using a screening tool. Tax Equity – Tax equity partnerships are another means for helping developers finance successful projects. Though GMP currently has a quite limited tax equity appetite, we and other strategic partners may be able to help developers locate potential tax equity partners. Utility Solar Leasing – GMP will examine the potential to participate in leasing residential solar installations to customers, along with on-bill financing, in partnership with marketing groups and installers. There are different types of lease arrangements to meet customer needs, and there are utility and other developer means of delivering these services, all of which will be explored. Power Purchase Agreements – Executing PPAs with a utility can be one of the faster ways for a developer to get financing for a project for quick development. To the extent that developers are able to offer competitive terms, GMP will consider proposals. Standard Offer Projects – The Vermont Legislature recently extended the current Standard Offer program for new renewable projects from 50 MW to 125 MW. The additional 75 MW of capacity will be parceled out annually, and represent opportunities for developers to execute long-term contracts with the State of Vermont SPEED Administrator at fixed prices. GMP and developers can work closely with the SPEED Administrator on any issues or questions about the Standard Offer program as it evolves over time. Utility Development – GMP will make investments in solar projects in Rutland, but will remain careful not to overwhelm the development space with utility projects. GMP has no interest in making numerous, unilateral investments that could crowd out other partner opportunities; to do so would run counter to our collective goal. Street Lighting – GMP will examine solar street lighting options and work with the city toward reducing street lighting energy consumption. Transportation Electrification – GMP, over time, will install combination solar PV and electric vehicle charging stations as part of the ancillary effort to curb inefficient fossil fuel use and reduce pollutants.

Rutland, the Solar Capitol of Vermont There are undoubtedly more ways to achieve the overarching objectives and we encourage all stakeholders to:  

Think creatively and innovatively about the possibilities for achieving the Solar Capital of Vermont vision; Engage other stakeholders as much as possible to implement the best and most cost-effective ideas for customers and citizens alike.

Focus on Customers GMP customers are our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and business partners. We, after all, are all Vermonters serving Vermonters, and part of our customer service philosophy is epitomized by helping to strengthen the communities we serve. In areas where there is the potential for a partner to establish a touch point with a GMP customer, the entire experience should be courteous, intuitive, simple and clear for customers. The right information, the appropriate service delivery model and demystifying solar installations are key customer service goals. We expect that excellent service will be delivered to our customers by any of our partners throughout the Solar Capital of Vermont initiative.

Stakeholder Resources Finding appropriate sources of information for any project can be daunting, so one of our many goals is to help facilitate the development process any way we can. Along with city and local planning partners, we developed a comprehensive list of resources that can be tapped to get help with: what sites may be available for development; assessing site viability; available office space in Rutland; Standard Offer program rules and contracting with the SPEED Administrator; state and local permitting requirements; and interconnecting to the distribution network. This information is all collected to help expedite development and limit time-consuming information gaps. GMP staff will earnestly assist any stakeholder that has difficulty finding the right resource for the question they’re trying to answer.

Adjacent Opportunities GMP’s new Energy Innovation Center (EIC) will be located in downtown Rutland. Employees at the EIC will help identify and test new energy technologies to further our goal of economic vitality in the

Rutland, the Solar Capitol of Vermont region. Innovation is a perishable commodity. In partnership with other organizations, the EIC will explore new ways to engage customers in programs that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of energy use in a collaborative setting. The Rutland region can be an ideal place to host initiatives to be advanced by the EIC and others, and perhaps co-locate with the EIC or nearby.

Timeline for the Solar Capital of Vermont Project GMP is serious about achieving the goals of the Solar Capital project and expedient implementation is important for building momentum and maintaining the interest of all stakeholders as we work together to revitalize Rutland and develop new customer-focused programs and opportunities. Toward that goal, we have an ambitious and aggressive schedule laid out.

Major Milestones/Tentative August 2, 2012

RFP issued for 150kW Creek Path Solar Farm

August 21, 2012

Solar Summit held among stakeholders

October 15, 2012

Creek Path Solar Farm construction begins

July 1, 2013

RFP issued for 2,000 kW at Rutland City landfill (Contingent on contract with city)

October 1, 2013

Rutland City landfill construction begins

Phase I Complete

December 31, 2013

Total 2,500 kW solar installed

Halfway Mark to Goal

December 31, 2014

Next 750 kW solar installed

December 31, 2015

Next 1,000 kW solar installed

December 31, 2016

Next 1,000 kW solar installed

December 31, 2017

Next 1,000 kW solar installed

December 31, 2017

“Rutland, The Solar Capital of Vermont” Goal Achieved

Major Project Complete

Rutland, the Solar Capitol of Vermont

ATTACHMENT A GET HELP -- RESOURCES AND CHAMPIONS (Included in the Solar Summit Information Package)

Rutland, the Solar Capitol of Vermont

ATTACHMENT B GET MOVING -- POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITES IN RUTLAND (Included in the Solar Summit Information Package)

Rutland, the Solar Capitol of Vermont

ATTACHMENT C GET HERE -- AVAILABLE OFFICE SPACE IN RUTLAND (Included in the Solar Summit Information Package) Rutland Downtown Partnership (802.773.9380) For Rent: http://www.rutlanddowntown.com/category/realestate/ For Sale: http://www.rutlanddowntown.com/category/realestate/for-sale/ Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) (802.773.9147) http://www.rutlandeconomy.com/siteselection.php Rutland Redevelopment Authority (802.775.2910) Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce (802.773.2747 ext. 202)

In addition to the properties posted by REDC and Rutland Downtown Partnership, many others of various size and type are available. Please reach out directly to each respective group for assistance in identifying appropriate office, commercial or manufacturing space in Rutland.