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Lift the solar net metering cap

July 13, 2015

DESPITE THE INCREASED ADOPTION of solar power in Massachusetts, the right of every citizen to have access to predictable and clean power is in danger. And it’s up to industry leaders and neighbors alike to speak up, and protect the solar industry. There’s an item on the agenda that could put the 12,000 clean energy jobs created in New England at risk: the net metering cap. To support jobs in New England, and the clean energy industry as a whole, it’s time to tell legislators to raise the net metering cap.

Obama administration looks to make solar more accessible

July 7, 2015

This morning the White House anounced a new initiative to increase access to solar across the country. Among other things, the initiative increases renewable energy goals in federally subsidized housing, improves technical assistance for the installation solar on affordable housing, and provides states with guidance to develop more extensive solar programs.  The Obama administration’s commitment to breaking income barriers to solar so that all citizens can join in on climate action should be applauded.

Utilities Ignore Benefits of Solar

July 6, 2015

CONTRARY TO claims from two Massachusetts utilities and a state industry association, having too much solar may not be a problem at all (“Nonsolar users bear burden of net metering”).

Solar Owners Are Givers, Not Takers

July 1, 2015

With the solstice behind us, summer has officially begun. Across the country, that means the sun is shining and the mercury is climbing, and our air conditioners and the electricity grids they rely upon are stretched to their limits.

In response, we've seen utilities urge customers to turn up their thermostats a notch or two to ease their burden. They've recommended the use of fans, energy-efficient bulbs, and double-paned windows--all good measures to reduce energy use.

Utilities and AIM ignore solar benefits and exaggerate costs in Globe Op-Ed

June 29, 2015

It's easy to make solar look bad when you ignore the facts.  An Op-Ed authored by representatives of National Grid, Eversource and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts in the Boston Globe today tries to do just that.  The utility and industry authors exaggerate the costs of solar, completely ignore the benefits and call net metering a subsidy.

As net metering debate continues, report shows benefits of solar energy far outweigh costs

June 24, 2015

Solar panels deliver benefits to the electric grid and to society at large that are greater than the compensation their owners receive through net metering, according to a report released today by the Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center.

“Opponents of solar energy are trying to keep us in the dark, but today’s report will shed light on the truth about solar,” said Ben Hellerstein, State Director for Environment Massachusetts. “Solar is a good deal for our environment, our economy, and electric ratepayers across Massachusetts.”

Spread Solar on Facebook and Twitter for the Summer Solstice this Sunday!

June 19, 2015

This Sunday is the Summer Solstice and the #PutSolarOnIt day of action nationally. Join in and represent Massachusetts by solarizing your Twitter or Facebook profile. Let's make sure solar is on everyone's mind on this sunny day!

Transitioning to a Renewable Energy Future

June 18, 2015

In the mid to late 1990s, Massachusetts restructured its electric utility companies in order to create a competitive wholesale electricity market. Restructuring required the electric utility companies to sell all of their generation assets and prohibited them from owning any generation except in very limited circumstances. The end result was that the electric utility companies in Massachusetts no longer generated electricity — they simply delivered electricity to customers and were responsible for maintaining the wires and equipment needed to do so. 

Massachusetts says raise the cap!

June 16, 2015

The Baker administration still does not support an immediate raise of the net metering cap despite overwhelming support across the state. A recent poll by the Worcester Business Journal shows that 65% of respondants support a raise in the caps. Massachusetts wants more renewable energy and wants to keep local jobs. Tell your government today that you support solar! Here is how to get involved.

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