Electric Sector Modernization Plans (ESMPs) Information and Recommendations

The EDCs submitted their ESMPs to the GMAC on September 1, 2023. Over the course of fall 2023, the GMAC reviewed the ESMPs in sections. The GMAC provided feedback and recommendations to the EDCs on November 20, 2023. On January 29, 2024, the EDCs submitted their final ESMPs to the Department of Public Utilities.

Final Observations and Recommendations of the GMAC

Pursuant to G.L. c. 164, §§ 92B and 92C, the Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC) provided its recommendations to the electric distribution companies (EDCs) on their first draft electric-sector modernization plans (ESMPs) on November 20, 2023. The Final GMAC Report includes the Observations and Recommendations of the Grid Modernization Advisory Council, including the Memorandum of the GMAC Equity Working Group, and other appendices.

This document was voted on and approved by the GMAC on November 16, 2023.

The GMAC thanks the stakeholders, EDCs, Equity Working Group, consultants, and many others who assisted in the review of the ESMPs and creation of this report, and looks forward to the Department of Public Utilities’ review of these plans.

• Final GMAC Report
• Informe Final del GMAC (Español)

Final ESMP Information

• Final ESMP Filings Submitted to DPU on January 29, 2024
  • Eversource ESMP |  (DPU Docket 24-10)
  • National Grid ESMP |  (DPU Docket 24-11)
  • Unitil ESMP |  (DPU Docket 24-12)
• ESMP Procedural Schedule
• For up-to-date information on the ESMP proceedings and events, please visit the Department of Public Utilities Electric Sector Modernization Plan Resources website. 

DPU Final Order on ESMPs

The inaugural ESMPs were approved with modifications on August 29, 2024.

• ESMP Order 

GMAC Consultant Prepared Documents

• EDC Responses to GMAC Recommendations
• GMAC Consultant Comments on the 2024 ESMPs

Draft ESMP Information

• Draft GMAC Report – 11/3/23
• Memorandum of the Equity Working Group – 11/3/23
• ESMP Drafts Submitted to GMAC on September 1, 2023
  • Eversource ESMP
  • National Grid ESMP
  • Unitil ESMP
• EDC Submitted Metrics
  • First Set of Proposed ESMP Metrics – 10/5/23
  • Second Set of Proposed ESMP Metrics – 10/19/23
  • Pre-existing Metrics for the EDCs
• Background Information
  • ESMP-Relevant Proceedings and Working Groups – Version 2
• ESMP Outline
  • EDCs' ESMP Updated Draft Outline - 07/07/23
  • EDCs' ESMP Draft Outline - 06/01/23

GMAC ESMP Review Schedule

• The 2022 Climate Law gives the GMAC 80 days to review and provide recommendations on the ESMPs. In 2023, the EDCs submitted draft ESMPs to the GMAC on September 1. The GMAC reviewed these plans in sections over the course of the fall. The calendar below highlights all GMAC meetings and technical sessions that led up to the GMAC submitting recommendations to the EDCs on November 20.

• During the GMAC's review of the ESMP sections, GMAC members and the GMAC consultants submitted questions, comments, and recommendations by EDC, section, and subsection in standardized spreadsheets. These were compiled by DOER staff and the consultant team and formed the basis for higher-level summaries on each ESMP section. GMAC members could express agreement or disagreement, and the EDCs had an opportunity to submit responses. Consolidated spreadsheets are published below for each review section. In total, almost 700 entries were received, shaping the observations and recommendations in the GMAC Final Report.
• 9/14/23: Stakeholder Engagement, Current State, 5–10-year forecast (Chapters 3, 4, 5)
  • Draft Aggregated GMAC Member Recommendations and Comments CH. 3, 4, 5 
• 9/28/23: 5–10-year solutions, Reliable & Resilient, Workforce, Economic, & Health Benefits (Chapters 6, 10, 12)
  • Draft Aggregated GMAC Member Recommendations and Comments CH. 6, 10, 12
• 10/12/23: 2035-2050 Drivers and Solution, Gas-Electric Planning (Chapters 8, 9, 11)
  • Draft Aggregated GMAC Member Recommendations and Comments CH. 8, 9, 11
• 10/26/23: Executive Summary, Climate Act Compliance, 5-year ESMP, Conclusion (Chapters 1, 2, 7, 13)
  • Draft Aggregated GMAC Member Recommendations CH. 1, 2, 7, 13, Transmission System
• 11/9/23: Discuss draft recommendations
• 11/16/23: Finalize recommendations

• This timeline outlines the ESMP and GMAC processes pursuant to G.L. c. 164, §§ 92B and 92C.