Vermont Renters: Solar Credits & Utility Savings Explained

If you rent an apartment or house in Vermont and receive electric utility bills, you may wonder if you can benefit from solar power credits—also called "net metering" credits—just like homeowners do. Vermont's energy laws and tenant protections include ways for renters to access savings through solar, especially if your building, landlord, or utility participates in a solar program. Here’s an accessible guide to understanding your rights and potential utility savings as a Vermont renter.

How Solar Power Credits Work for Vermont Renters

Solar power credits, also known as net metering credits, allow you to receive discounts on your electric bill if your landlord or property owner has installed solar panels. Vermont law supports tenant access to these benefits when possible, but actual savings depend on your specific rental situation.

• Net Metering: Vermont’s net metering program lets solar users send extra electricity back to the grid. The utility provides bill credits for this electricity.
• Building-Level Solar: If solar panels are installed on your building and your electric meter is included, you may receive credits directly on your bill.
• Community Solar: Some renters can join off-site or "community" solar projects and assign credits to their utility account, as allowed by Vermont Statutes Title 30, Section 8010.

If you pay utilities directly, ask your landlord or utility company if net metering credits are available for your unit. If utilities are included in your rent, savings may depend on how your lease is written.

Can Your Landlord Keep Solar Credits?

Vermont law does not require landlords to pass along net metering credits or savings unless your lease specifically addresses this. However, state consumer protection and energy regulations encourage fair disclosure. If credits are provided to the landlord but not passed through, you can ask for clarification or negotiate a utility savings clause in your lease.

Your Rights and the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act

Vermont’s main tenant protection law, the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137), requires landlords to provide habitable housing and clear terms on utilities. If you believe utility charges or solar credits are not handled fairly, you may contact the appropriate state authority.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• Vermont Public Utility Commission Customer Complaint Form – Use if you have a dispute with your electric utility about net metering credits, billing, or access.
  Example: If solar credits promised to you are not being applied by your utility.
  File a utility complaint here.
• Department of Public Service Consumer Complaint Form – Use this form if you believe your landlord or utility is not following Vermont’s utility regulations or for billing disputes.
  Example: Your landlord receives building-level solar credits but charges you for full-priced utilities.
  Submit a consumer complaint to the Department of Public Service.

Which Tribunal Handles Vermont Tenant-Utility Disputes?

In Vermont, general rental housing complaints go to the courts (Superior Court, Civil Division). Utility billing or net metering issues are handled by the Vermont Public Utility Commission and the Department of Public Service. Lease-related disputes should reference the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act.¹

What Vermont Renters Should Know About Solar Savings

This process can be confusing, but you have rights. Here are key points:

• Check your lease – Does it mention how utility savings are handled?
• Ask your utility – Are net metering credits available to you directly?
• Negotiate or clarify – If unclear, talk to your landlord before signing or renewing your lease.
• File a complaint – If you believe you’re missing out on lawful savings, use the forms above.

FAQ: Vermont Renters and Solar Credits

1. Can I benefit from solar panels if I’m just renting?
   Yes, if your apartment's electric meter is connected to solar panels and utility credits are being assigned, or if you are included in a community solar project. Check with your landlord and electric utility.
2. What if my landlord receives solar credits but doesn’t lower my rent or utility bill?
   Unless your lease specifically shares these credits, landlords are not required to pass them to tenants. You can negotiate for this or seek advice from the Department of Public Service.
3. How can I join a Vermont community solar program as a renter?
   Contact your utility company for information on available community solar programs, or visit the Vermont Public Service Department website for eligibility and sign-up details.
4. Where do I file a complaint about utility billing or denied solar credits?
   File complaints through the Vermont Public Utility Commission or the Department of Public Service using their online forms (see above for links).
5. Does my landlord have to explain solar credits in my lease?
   Vermont law does not require leases to address solar credits, but you may request this for clarity.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Solar power credits can reduce utility bills, but your access as a renter depends on your lease and utility setup.
• Always check your lease and ask how solar savings are handled before moving in.
• Utility complaints about solar credits should be filed with the Public Utility Commission or Department of Public Service.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Department of Public Service – Consumer protection and complaint info
• Vermont Public Utility Commission – Utility disputes and net metering
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137) – Tenant rights and legal basics
• VT Law Help – Housing – Guidance for renters

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1. See Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137) for Vermont rental law. For utility laws, see Vermont Statutes - Net Metering and Vermont Public Utility Commission.

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