May 2019

MLP Solar Rebate Program Launches

May 17, 2019

On May 14th, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) announced it had awarded $2.3 million to Energy New England (ENE) and the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Cooperative (also known as MMWEC) to offer a rebate program for the installation of small scale solar photovoltaic systems in certain Municipal Light Plant (MKP) service territories. ENE and MMWEC will act as program administrators for the MLPs that they represent and together are representing 36 MLPs and the 45 municipalities they serve. 

DOER's 400 MW SMART program review

May 7, 2019

After a long delay, the SMART solar incentive program finally launched this past November.  A backlog of projects quickly ate up much of the program's capacity and triggered a 400 MW review process provided for in the regulations. Among other things, the 400 MW review provides an opportunity to make improvements to the program and resolve matters that weren't anticipated while the program was under development.

Shortchanged: DOER proposes to cut SREC I eligibility period for existing solar projects

May 6, 2019

Through a recently issued notice, DOER announced its intention to change the eligibility rules for existing SREC I solar projects.  Specifically, DOER is proposing to change current regulations so that solar projects can no longer generate SRECs after the first 40 quarters in which they are eligible.  DOER is labeling this change as a clarification of the regulations when, in fact, it is a substantive change of the program's rules.