Vermont Governor Backs Nuclear Power to Cut Energy Costs

Vermont Governor Phil Scott is throwing his support behind legislation that could make nuclear power part of the state's clean energy future again, more than a decade after its only nuclear plant shut down.

The governor backed House Bill 601 during his budget address Tuesday, calling for changes to Vermont's current law requiring 100% renewable energy by 2035. The proposed Clean Energy Standard would recognize zero-emission sources like nuclear alongside solar and wind, potentially helping Vermont reach clean energy goals five years earlier at lower cost.

Vermont families are struggling with some of the highest energy bills in the nation. Some residents spend 10% of their income on energy costs, and utility disconnections have jumped 31% between 2022 and 2025 because people can't pay their bills.

The bill would save utilities about $4 million annually, according to Department of Public Service estimates. That translates to roughly $4.50 per year for the average Vermont household, though the savings could help address the state's growing energy affordability crisis.

Beyond immediate savings, the legislation would open doors for future nuclear development. It would remove the requirement for legislative approval of new nuclear plants and potentially allow Vermont to purchase power from neighboring facilities like New Hampshire's Seabrook or Connecticut's Millstone.

Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station produced more than a third of the state's electricity before closing in 2014. The 650-megawatt plant couldn't compete with cheap natural gas and faced decades of opposition from anti-nuclear activists. It's now set to complete decommissioning by year's end, four years ahead of schedule.

Governor Scott was one of only four state senators who supported relicensing Vermont Yankee back in 2010. He's long maintained that nuclear should be part of a diverse energy mix that includes renewables.

The Bright Side

While the immediate bill savings seem modest, supporters see bigger wins ahead. Joining other northeastern states in recognizing nuclear as clean energy could give Vermont more flexibility in meeting climate goals without forcing residents to choose between protecting the planet and paying their heating bills.

Environmental advocates point out that Vermont's reliance on expensive heating oil and propane drives much of the state's high energy costs. The push for nuclear comes alongside continued efforts to help families switch away from fossil fuels entirely.

Vermont's energy future may include lessons from its nuclear past as the state works to keep both costs and emissions down.