§ 248d. Fee refund
If an applicant withdraws an application and seeks a fee refund, then a written request for an application fee refund shall be submitted to the Public Utility Commission (Commission) within 90 days of the withdrawal of the application.
(1) As used in this section, "agency" means the Agency of Natural Resources, the Department of Public Service, or the Commission.
(2) In the event that an application is withdrawn before any agency has filed comments expressing a position on any part of the application, filed testimony, or filed a stipulated agreement with the Commission in the context of a certificate of public good proceeding, the Commission shall, upon request of the applicant, refund 50 percent of the fee paid to each agency above the first $100.00; however, in no instance shall the agency retain more than $20,000.00.
(3) In the event that an application is withdrawn after any agency has filed comments expressing a position on any part of the application, filed testimony, or filed a stipulated agreement with the Commission in the context of a certificate of public good proceeding, the Commission shall, upon request of the applicant, refund 25 percent of the fee paid to each agency above the first $100.00.
(4) Commission decisions regarding application fee refunds may be appealed to the Vermont Supreme Court.
(5) In no event may an application fee or a portion thereof be refunded after the Commission has issued a final decision on the merits of an application, whether the decision is to grant or deny the application in whole or in part.
(6) No interest will be due or payable on any money refunded under this section. (Added 2019, No. 70, § 11.)