RAP Report, The Clean Heat Standard

This 2021 RAP report outlines a potential Vermont-based performance-based program, the Clean Heat Standard (CHS), that would reduce GHG emissions and fossil heating costs in Vermont buildings.

The proposed CHS would be akin to a Renewable Electricity Standard or efficiency performance standard. The overall standard and major milestones would be set by the legislature, and a regulatory agency would be authorized to supervise implementation. Fossil heat wholesalers would be required to deliver clean heat solutions to Vermont customers on a percentage basis that rises over time. While each year’s clean heat additions could be modest (perhaps 4% per year), clean heat additions would add up over time to help meet Vermont’s emissions reduction requirements. Those fossil heat providers could meet the standard through a wide range of actions. Most directly, they could displace fossil fuels with qualified biofuels or renewable natural gas. Alternatively, they could help customers to install low emission heating systems such as cold-climate heat pumps and/or advanced wood heating equipment, and/or to better insulate their buildings.