Governor Peter Shumlin plans to sign three energy-related bills into law at a ceremony at a small hydro-electric station on the outskirts of Montpelier.
Today’s event in North Montpelier will make law out of a provision barring the state’s utilities from charging customers a fee for opting not to have a new generation of electric meters called smart meters installed at their homes or businesses.
Critics of the devices, which use wireless communications to send data on power usage to utilities, say they have health and privacy concerns about smart meters.
Also due to become law today are provisions expanding Vermont’s standard offer program, under which utilities are required pay a set price for renewable power like wind and solar.