BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) announced passage of legislation that will boost electricity from solar and wind, get a better handle on natural gas leaks, and create “clean peak” incentives for driving down energy use at the busiest times, when the costliest and dirtiest electric power turns on.
"While I am proud that Massachusetts continues to be a trailblazer for expanding access to renewables, I recognize that additional efforts are necessary to continue protecting the earth we share," said Senator Moore. "Protecting our planet requires each and every one of us to take action to support clean energy policies. To that end, that I am proud that this bill advanced through both legislative Chambers and was signed into law by the Governor."
The legislation provides protection for solar users by reforming the Monthly Minimum Reliability Contribution (MMRC). Two years ago, the Legislature allowed utilities to charge a monthly fee to solar customers as a contribution to basic system upkeep. A specific form of MMRC proposed by Eversource and approved by the DPU has been widely criticized by legislators, environmental groups and constituents. This week’s new legislation nullifies the Eversource model and sends the utility and the agency back to the drawing board.
To make more headway on addressing the problem of leaky underground gas pipes, the bill requires utilities to report all sources of lost and unaccounted for gas. This will allow the authorities to keep track of unburned methane, which is very harmful to the environment. The bill also allows, in limited cases, waivers of regulatory requirements for projects that reduce such leaks.
The bill increases the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 2% per year, starting in 2020. The RPS requires utilities and other suppliers to source a certain percentage of electricity from renewable resources. Currently the RPS stands at 13%. With the 2% per year increase, 36% of Massachusetts’ energy will come from renewable sources by 2030.
The legislation also creates a “clean peak” standard, requiring utilities to acquire a minimum percentage of clean energy during peak hours. This will help drive down the use of dirty energy sources that come online during hours of highest system demand.
In addition, the bill:
- Allows the Governor and his Administration to procure an additional 1600 MW of offshore wind.
- Sets a target of 1000 MWh for implementing innovative battery technology and other means of storing electricity for later use.
- Updates the MassSave program to allow funds to be used for storage and demand management resources.
- Requires electric utilities to produce “heat maps,” showing areas of congestion or constraint in the electric grid.
- Allows utilities to competitively procure “non-wires” alternatives to conventional transmission and distribution infrastructure, in order to address stress on the electric grid.
- Requires the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to study the feasibility of mobile battery storage systems that can provide emergency backup in extreme weather and power outages.
To view the newly-signed law, please visit the Legislature's website by clicking below.