Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Renewables Program
 The MDAR Energy Program’s primary function is to promote energy knowledge and awareness and to facilitate the implementation of energy related projects for our agri-businesses through energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy applications, as a means to reduce both energy costs and environmental pollution. Furthering this effort, working in conjunction with USDA NRCS and Berkshire Pioneer Resource Conservation & Development, the MA Farm Energy Program (MFEP) was created. Now in its 2nd year of operation, the MFEP is intended to be the one-stop shop for MA Agri-businesses, being a clearinghouse of information, technical assistance, incentives, rebates, grant programs, etc. Please visit our website at www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep and become part of the MFEP.
FY2010 Ag-Energy Grant Program
The FY10 Ag Energy Grant Program is now closed to new applications. Applications are being reviewed with decisions expected early in the new year.
Allen Farm, Chilmark, new Met Tower
USDA’s EQIP Air Quality Financial Assistance Program -2010
The 1st round deadline of January 15, 2010 has passed. However, please continue to monitor potential 2nd round funding opportunities with NRCS this coming Spring. In FY 2010 the Massachusetts Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will again provide eligible producers with program support through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to implement cost effective and innovative practices that improve air quality that includes funding to eligible producers for energy conservation and renewable energy practices.
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Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Net Metering – Regulations and Model Tariffs
MA Net Metering Regulations are now effective as of December 1, 2009. If you have a renewable energy system installed, or are considering installing one, and you are in either NSTAR, NGRID, WMECO or Unitil service territories, you should contact their respective net metering department and enroll and apply for net metering as soon as possible, regardless of how much renewable energy you generate. Visit the Department of Public Utilities at www.mass.gov/dpu website for more details.
New Solar Carve Out Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
Effective Jan 1, 2010, a new state renewable energy credit program is in effect. Created by DOER and MRET, the program is intended to provide environmental attribute financial incentives for new solar PV projects that were installed after Jan1, 2008 and did not receive MRET Commonwealth Solar 1 or significant ARRA funding. Please visit www.mass.gov.doer’s website for more information.
New MRET Commonwealth Solar II and Solar Stimulus Programs
The MA Renewable Energy Trust, now officially part of the MA Clean Energy Center, has announced the next round of Commonwealth Solar programs, namely, Commonwealth Solar II and Solar Stimulus. Solar II is for PV residential and business projects up to 5 kW while Solar Stimulus is for business only between 5 and 200 kW. Please visit MRET’s website at www.masstech.org and find out the details!
Contact: Gerry Palano, Renewable Energy Coordinator for MDAR.
Email: Gerald.Palano@state.ma.us,
Phone: 617-626-1706 |
