As of November 2022, 36 states and the District of Columbia have established an RES or a renewable energy goal. Vermont established its RES in 2005 as a voluntary target and updated it in 2015 to become a standard. The RES mandates that electric power be sourced increasingly from renewable sources.  Additionally, it requires utilities to reduce fossil fuel use by customers. This standard has encouraged utilities to focus on long-term power purchasing contracts, contributing to Vermont’s low electric rates compared to other New England states.