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The Principles of Grid Neutrality

October 9, 2015

Just as net neutrality seeks to maintain a fair and open internet, the concept of grid neutrality emphasizes a fair and open electricity network. Like the internet, the modern electricity grid is the backbone upon which a generation of technologies, services and economies will be built. In order to catalyze this transition and foster innovation, it is paramount that we as a nation provide for, as well as safeguard, the grid’s neutrality.

The Virtuous Cycle Has Begun

October 7, 2015

Bloomberg Business: It has never made less sense to build fossil fuel power plants

Wind power is now the cheapest electricity to produce in both Germany and the U.K., even without government subsidies, according to a new analysis by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).

Vermont plans for 90% renewable grid

October 2, 2015

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.

State House Solar Hearing Draws Huge Crowd

October 1, 2015

Renewable energy advocates and supporters, many from the Mass Power Forward coalition, rallied outside the State House on Tuesday before packing the Gardner auditorium for an energy hearing.

Governor Charlie Baker testified before the committee telling lawmakers that he wants to meet 2020 emissions goals while driving down energy costs by diversifying the Commonwealth’s energy portfolio to include more hydro, wind, solar, and natural gas. The Baker administration has introduced separate hydropower and solar bills.

Mass Power Forward coalition launched

September 17, 2015

100+ Environmental Organizations, Faith & Economic Justice Groups and Small Businesses Launch Coordinated Campaign to Fight for Clean Energy

How our electricity markets work

September 16, 2015

Ever wonder why we have a wholesale and retail electricity market?  What an RPS is and how it encourages renewables?  These and many other questions are answeres in a newly published document, Electricity Markets Primer, authored by the Conservation Law Foundation and the Boston Green Ribbon Commission. In ten chapters, this document aims to demystify how the New England's electricity markets work in a way that  lay people understand how it all works.

Massachusetts ranks 4th for solar installations in 2014, but inaction by state leaders could stall growth

September 3, 2015

A new report, Lighting the Way, released today by Environment Massachusetts shows that the Commonwealth remains a solar leader in the US but that leadership is threatened by the lack of action on net metering caps.  

IRS Rules Favorably on Owner’s Eligibility for Federal Tax Credit for a Community-Shared Solar Project

September 2, 2015

The IRS delivered some good news for homeowners that purchase a share in a local community shared solar system!  Individuals involved in these types of solar projects can take advantage of the 30 percent federal residential income tax credit.  Details about this September 1st ruling are below along with information about an upcoming Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) webinar on the topic.

According to a CESA press release:

Is Baker's bill good for solar?

August 13, 2015

Last Friday, the Baker administration filed a solar bill aimed at addressing the net metering caps that have stalled solar projects across the Commonwealth. This move comes shortly after the Senate voted unanimously to advance legislation that would raise and then eliminate net metering caps.

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