Hopes Dim In Legislature For Merger Critics

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The Vermont House is expected to vote later this week on a measure that would intervene in the Public Service Board’s review of a proposed utility merger.

Critics of the deal between Green Mountain Power and Central Vermont Public Service have focused on $21 million in ratepayer funds that bailed CVPS out of financial trouble a decade ago. Some lawmakers want that money repaid in checks to ratepayers, while the companies want it to go towards weatherization and energy efficiency.

An amendment on the issue is expected to be offered Thursday. But two House committees that handle utility matters voted against the legislation Tuesday. The House Commerce Committee voted 8-2 against the bill, while the Natural Resources and Energy Committee in a straw vote was 9-1 against it.

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