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Energy and Environmental Affairs

Solar RPS Carve-Out

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is in the process of developing a solar carve-out as part of the MA Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), as provided for in the Green Communities Act (Section 32 of Chapter 169 of the Acts of 2008). The legislation imparts that the onsite carve-out be for new resources of 2 MW or less located within the Commonwealth (after January 1, 2008). DOER was given discretion to determine appropriate technologies, minimum standards, and an Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) level for the carve-out. This section was "RESERVED" in the RPS I regulation adopted earlier this year.

Price Support Mechanism

The Price Support Mechanism will facilitate solar project development and financing in the S-REC market. A public meeting on the Price Support Mechanism was held on October 23, 2009 at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston. Public comments on the straw proposal can be sent to Michael.Pleasant@State.MA.US and will be accepted through November 5, 2009.

Comments Recieved

Design and Regulatory Process - Straw Proposal

DOER began the process of implementing the solar carve-out design and regulatory process in August 2009. The process included a public meeting, a "straw proposal" for the program’s design, and public comments.

Straw Proposal Presentation PDF  (corrected)

Note: This presentation includes corrections to slides 11 and 12 made after the public meeting in August.

Comments Received