MA renews wupport for Solar

Massachussets governor signs energy bill, expands net metering

04.08.2012: Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has signed into law an energy bill (S 2395) that expands support for renewable energy in Massachusetts. Among other things, the law doubles the cap on net metering in the state from 3% of a utility’s peak demand to 6%. The new cap is expected to spur deployment of small-scale photovoltaic (PV) installations, which had slowed recently as parts of the state reached the 3% cap. The energy bill also extends long-term contracts between utilities and renewable energy projects, which will reduce financing costs for developers and ultimately lead to cost savings for ratepayers. State Senate President Therese Murray summarized: “This legislation will improve the reliability of our grid, create more competition for energy contracts and address some of the cost-drivers for electricity without compromising our commitment to developing renewable energy resources.” The Solar Energy Industries Association and the New England Clean Energy Council released statements praising the governor and state legislature for crafting and passing the bill. Massachusetts topped 110 MW of cumulative installed PV capacity in June, bringing the state one step closer to reaching Governor Patrick’s goal of installing 250 MW of solar by 2017 and 400 MW by 2020. … Source: Governor of Massachusetts, US Solar Energy Industries Association, New England Clean Energy Council; Source: PHOTON http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/pressreleases/2012/2012803-go vernor-patrick-signs-energy-bill.html http://www.seia.org/news/massachusetts-keeps-solar-power-shining The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/68404.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com