Thermal Energy Networks

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Gas utilities can pilot up to 30 cost-effective neighborhood-scale decarbonization projects in lieu of replacing gas pipelines. These zero-emission pilots may take the form of “neighborhood electrification” or thermal energy networks.

Thermal energy qualifies as an eligible clean heat resource under the state's clean heat standard, and gas utilities serving more than 500,000 customers were required to propose at least one thermal energy pilot by September 2024.

Local governments in Xcel Energy gas service territory can partner with the utilitiy to explore neighborhood-scale clean heat projects, including thermal energy networks.

A Geothermal Energy Grant Program provides funding support for eligible public and private entities developing geothermal energy projects, including thermal energy networks.

The DEEP Commissioner is required to establish a thermal energy network grant and loan program to support the development of thermal energy network projects on the customer’s side of an electric meter.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

The Governor's Energy Office must issue an RFI regarding the creation of a thermal energy networks program in the state, focusing on sources such as geothermal or waste heat. The Energy Office must prepare a report on TENs by January 15, 2026, which can include recommendations for the development of a TENs program.

Gas, water, and electric utilities are allowed to own thermal energy networks, and can recover costs associated with TENs, if approved by the PUC.

Gas utilities serving >75,000 customers must develop 1-2 proposals for network geothermal pilot projects by July 1, 2025. The proposals must ensure that at least 80 percent of the pilot projects’ customers are from low- or moderate-income households. Gas utilities serving <75,000 customers are able propose one pilot.

Gas utilities are allowed to pilot networked geothermal projects, and can sell and distribute non-emitting thermal energy. TENs pilots can be paid for with funds from the state’s pipe replacement program, known as the Gas System Enhancement Plan

Gas utilities are able to provide non-combusting thermal energy to customers instead of natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

The Department of Commerce must develop a study exploring sites suitable for thermal energy networks statewide by January 15, 2026.

Gas utilities with more than 800,000 customers must include a district energy pilot in their 5-year "innovation plans," and must invest at least 15% of their innovation plan's budget in TENs. Other utilities are encouraged to consider alternatives to gas in their innovation plans, including district thermal.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Gas and electric utilities are enabled to build, own, operate, and sell thermal energy. The Public Service Commission adopted initial Utility Thermal Energy Networks (UTENs) rules in 2024.

The 2025-2026 budget allocated $200 million for TENs projects across the state.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Municipalities in Vermont are authorized to build and operate thermal energy networks without the need for approval or regulation from the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Existing utilities, businesses, developers, co-ops, and non-profits are able operate their own TENs, subject to PUC authorization.

The PUC must publish a report on how to support the development and permitting of TENs by December 1, 2025.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

A TENs pilot program for gas utilities requires proposal submissions within 12 months of June 2024 and construction within 30 months. The Department of Commerce can distribute $25M in grants to gas utilities to cover the costs of building and operating the pilots.

Electric, gas, and public utilities can own and operate thermal energy networks, and gas utilities are permitted to fulfill their “obligation to serve” through thermal energy networks, subject to commission approval. Electric utilities will be able to provide discounted rates to companies operating thermal energy networks under certain conditions and with authorization from the Utilities and Transportation Commission.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.

Thermal energy networks are neighborhood-scale energy projects that allow multiple buildings to be connected through a shared network of underground pipes to distribute heating and cooling, often using renewable energy sources like geothermal or waste heat. State policymakers can create an enabling regulatory structure, and may also commission pilots, allow cost recovery, or create mandates to help transition from natural gas.