Vermont plans for 90% renewable grid

A 100% renewable energy future is possible (see state-specific plans here).  Already, Hawaii has set a 100% renewable electricity goal by 2045 and California recently passed legislation that sets a 50% by 2030 renewable target.

On the east coast, Vermont is leading the way.  According to Utility Dive:

The Vermont Public Service Department has released the state's 2015 Comprehensive Energy Plan for public review, and has scheduled five meetings in October to take comment.

The plan reaffirms Vermont’s goal of meeting 90% of the state’s energy needs through renewable sources by 2050, directs utilities to develop microgrids and calls for reducing total energy consumption per capita by 15% by 2025. 

On the road to 90% renewables, the plan sets interim goals of 25% by 2025 and 40% by 2035. And by 2025, the state wants to see at least 10% of transportation powered by clean energy, 30% of building energy demands met with it, and 67% renewable electric power.

Vermont regulators say the plan emphasizes efficiency and conservation, including efficiencies gained by using new electric technologies such as heat pumps & electric vehicles.