Gas Pipeline Deal Shows Effort to Influence PSB

A recently  announced agreement between Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) and the VT Dept. of Public Service (DPS) is cause for concern to anyone who is watching this issue closely -- especially ratepayers! While it proposes to reduce the cost to ratepayers by $20 million, it allows for unforeseen costs and still leaves current VGS customers paying at least $134 million for a gas pipeline that will serve another market altogether.  AARP has indicated its opposition to this proposal as well as the obvious attempt to influence the Public Service Board's decision on the larger issue of reopening the project for review. The claims that this project serves the public good for all Vermonters is flawed by a host of measures -- particularly the overall economic benefit which studies show will have a negative impact in the neighborhood of $200 million.

“This is a bad deal for ratepayers," said Greg Marchildon, state director of AARP Vermont.  "The notion that capping costs at $134 million is somehow a benefit to ratepayers is simply ridiculous. Current VGS ratepayers would still be on the hook for a $134 million project that will provide them no benefit," he said. "Furthermore, it appears to be a deal made behind closed doors between the DPS and VGS and then endorsed by the Governor. Isn't it the job of regulators and the State to represent and protect ratepayers, not utility companies.

“This appears to be a blatant attempt to influence the Public Service Board as they consider VGS’s Certificate of Public Good and the overall economic impact on Vermonters.”