Economic and Climate Impacts Analysis for Shaftsbury and Fair Haven Solar Projects in Vermont
Synapse provided expert support for Freepoint Solar in two separate Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) applications before the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC). Synapse’s analysis demonstrated that the Shaftsbury (20 MW) and Fair Haven (20 MW) solar projects met statutory requirements related to need, economic benefits, greenhouse gas impacts, and transmission and distribution system impacts under the state CPCN statute. Synapse also showed that both projects align with Vermont’s greenhouse gas goals and comprehensive energy plan.
Synapse deliverables included an expert report that detailed our findings, direct testimony that summarized the findings as relevant to state statues, reply testimony (for Shaftsbury) that responded to intervenor concerns, and public discovery responses. Our findings were as follows:
Electricity need:
- Synapse found that both projects would help meet a clearly demonstrated need in both the New England region and Vermont. They would contribute to a diversified solution to the region’s clean energy challenges, helping reduce reliance on natural gas and other fossil fuel resources over time.
Economic benefits:
- Synapse found that both projects would provide substantial direct and indirect economic benefits to Vermont over their operating lives
- Shaftsbury: $9.8 million in new income and more than $29.9 million in new gross domestic product (GDP) for the state. The project is also expected to produce $5.3 million in new local and state taxes.
- Fair Haven: $13.5 million in new income and more than $19.5 million in GDP for the state. The project is also expected to produce $13.3 million in new local and state taxes.
Transmission and distribution system impacts:
- Both projects will be directly connected to the Green Mountain Power transmission grid and therefore will not contribute to local distribution system congestion.
Greenhouse gas impacts:
- Both projects will add a source of zero-emissions electric generation to the New England grid and will therefore reduce emissions from the grid.
- Shaftsbury: Expected to generate approximately 1,240,585 MWh over its 40-year operating life, displacing between 317,279 and 646,345 short tons of CO₂. The avoided emissions result in a net estimated social benefit—accounting for forest clearing impacts—of $75.5 to $262.5 million (2024 dollars).
- Fair Haven: Expected to generate approximately 1,018,221 MWh over its 30-year operating life, displacing between 271,861 and 510,638 short tons of CO₂. The avoided emissions result in a net estimated social benefit—accounting for forest clearing impacts—of $66.9 to $211.5 million (2024 dollars).