The VSPC and related planning process depart from the way Vermont previously planned its electric system. The new approach, perhaps unprecedented nationally, has a number of characteristics that transform the way Vermont utilities interact with each other and the public in planning solutions to electric system reliability issues including:

• A transparent process that includes access by the public and participants to all aspects of the VSPC’s activities and information through this website and an effective meeting notice process.
• A formal structure for public involvement in the planning committee through formal Public Service Board appointment of three public members to the VSPC representing the interests of residential consumers, commercial and industrial consumers, and environmental protection respectively.
• A high level of public involvement in the planning process based on principles of effective public engagement.
• A long-term planning horizon of 20 years.
• The ability to take advisory votes regarding which utilities are responsible for projects and how costs are allocated for non-transmission alternatives.
• Procedures for facilitating assignment of responsibility for planning and implementation work.
• An explicit process for analysis and explicit standards for evaluation of cost-effective non-transmission alternatives to solving reliability deficiencies.
• Clearly established expectations and processes for coordination among stakeholders, including all utilities, public representatives, DPS, the Energy Efficiency Utility (EEU), and the Sustainably Priced Energy Enterprise Development (SPEED) Facilitator.
• Appropriate consideration of market-based approaches to assessing non-transmission alternatives, including market testing using RFPs or public solicitations of interest, as well as an open door policy for encouraging potential vendors to approach the participants to discuss projects.