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Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC)

The Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC) reviews and provides recommendations on Massachusetts’ forthcoming electric-sector modernization plans. It is an integral part of increasing transparency and stakeholder engagement in the grid planning process.
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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.

Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC)

Pursuant to G.L. c. 164, §§ 92B-92C, the Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC) is charged with reviewing and providing recommendations to the state’s investor-owned electric distribution companies’ (EDCs) electric-sector modernization plans (ESMPs). The EDCs develop ESMPs for their respective customer service areas. Each ESMP will include, among other items, a summary of all reviewed, under consideration, or previously approved distribution system investments and alternatives, distribution system improvements to increase system reliability and resiliency for weather and disaster-related risks, distribution system improvements to facilitate transportation and building electrification, forecasts considering 5 and 10 year horizons as well as an assessment of demand through 2050. Once the GMAC has reviewed and provided recommendations, the EDCs will make appropriate revisions to their plan and file it with the Department of Public Utilities.  

The GMAC and ESMP system was set in place by “An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind” (Climate Law) in 2022. The Climate Law requires that the state's EDCs prepare the ESMPs to proactively upgrade the distribution system and meet multiple objectives, including:

  • Improve grid reliability, communications, and resiliency;
  • Enable increased, timely adoption of renewable energy and DERs;
  • Promote energy storage and electrification technologies for decarbonization;
  • Prepare for climate-driven impacts on T&D systems;
  • Accommodate transportation and building electrification, and other new loads; and
  • Minimize or mitigate impacts on ratepayers.

The Governor appoints GMAC members who serve for five-year terms. The Commissioner of the DOER chairs the GMAC, which is supported by DOER staff. GMAC members, voting and non-voting, represent a wide array of organizations and interests.

Voting members

  • Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, GMAC Chairperson
  • Kelly Caiazzo, Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, Representing the Attorney General
  • Sarah Cullinan, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Representing the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
  • Larry Chretien, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, Representing low- and middle-income residential consumers         
  • Marybeth Campbell, Worcester Community Action Council, Representing a local agency administering the low-income weatherization program      
  • Kyle Murray, Acadia Center, Representing the environmental advocacy community
  • Kathryn Wright, Barr Foundation, Representing the environmental justice community
  • Alex Worsley, Enel North America, Representing the transmission-scale renewable energy industry          
  • Kathryn Cox-Arslan, New Leaf Energy, Representing the distributed generation renewable energy industry
  • Sarah Bresolin Silver, ENGIE North America, Representing the energy storage industry
  • Amy McGuire, Highland Electric Fleets, Representing the electric vehicle industry
  • JS Rancourt, DXS - Direct Expansion Solutions, Representing the building electrification industry
  • Andy Sun, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Representing engineering expertise in interconnecting clean energy
  • Julie Curti, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Representing municipal or regional interests  
  • Jonathan Stout, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Representing large commercial and industrial end-use customers

Non-voting electric distribution company members:

  • Digaunto Chatterjee, Representing Eversource
  • Carol Sedewitz, Representing National Grid
  • Kevin Sprague, Representing Unitil

The Council and the ESMPs represent an opportunity for the Commonwealth to increase transparency and broaden stakeholder engagement to the grid planning process. They will support better alignment of distribution system planning and investments with the Commonwealth’s ambitious climate requirements and focus on equitably serving all residents.

During its first meeting on March 31, 2023, the Council adopted by unanimous vote governing documents including by-laws, ground rules, a remote participation policy, and an Executive Committee charter.

If you have any questions regarding the GMAC, please email MA-GMAC@mass.gov.

Public Comment

EDC Stakeholder Technical Sessions & Workshops

  • The EDCs invite you to listen in to their upcoming stakeholder workshops, to learn more about their ESMPs, the transition to clean energy, and hear firsthand from a broad range of stakeholders representing organizations and customers from across the state.

We thank the multiple stakeholders who shared their thoughts and insights with the GMAC at our listening sessions.

Members of the public may also send written comments at any time to MA-GMAC@mass.gov.

Electric Sector Modernization Plans (ESMPs) Information

The EDCs submitted their ESMPs to the GMAC on September 1, 2023. Over the course of the fall, the GMAC will review the ESMPs in sections. The GMAC will provide feedback and recommendations to the EDCs by November 20, 2023. In January 2024, the EDCs will submit their final ESMPs to the Department of Public Utilities.

ESMP Information

GMAC Meeting Schedule

Meeting #13: December 14, 2023 from 1-4 PM

Meeting #12: November 16, 2023 from 1-4 PM

Meeting #11: November 9, 2023 from 1-4 PM

Meeting #10: October 26, 2023 from 1-4 PM

Joint Meeting with the Clean Energy Transmission Working Group (CETWG): October 13, 2023 from 9-11 AM

Meeting #9: October 12, 2023 from 1-4 PM

Meeting #8: September 28, 2023 from 1-4 PM

Meeting #7: September 14, 2023 from 1-4 PM

Meeting #6: August 10, 2023 from 12-4 PM

Meeting #5: July 13, 2023 from 12:30-4 PM

Meeting #4: June 15, 2023 from 1-4 PM

Meeting #3: May 11, 2023 from 1-4 PM

Meeting #2: April 13, 2023 from 2-5 PM. Meeting Materials:

Meeting #1: March 31, 2023 from 1-4 PM. Meeting Materials:

GMAC Executive Committee Meeting Schedule

Executive Committee Meeting #8: November 17, 2023 from 2-3:30 PM

Executive Committee Meeting #7: October 27, 2023 from 2-3:30 PM

Executive Committee Meeting #6: September 29, 2023 from 2-3:30 PM

Executive Committee Meeting #5: August 25 from 2-3:30 PM

Executive Committee Meeting #4: July 28 from 2-3:30 PM

Executive Committee Meeting #3: June 30 from 2-3:30 PM

Executive Committee Meeting #2: May 16 from 9:30-11 AM

Executive Committee Meeting #1: April 24 from 3-4 PM

GMAC Equity Working Group

At the September 14, 2023 meeting, the GMAC approved an Equity Working Group Charter and Equity Working Group membership.

  • Equity Working Group Charter
    • Kathryn Wright, Barr Foundation, GMAC representative, Chairperson
    • Julia Fox, Department of Energy Resources
    • Chris Modlish, Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
    • Kyle Murray, Acadia Center, GMAC representative
    • Larry Chretien, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, GMAC representative
    • Mary Wambui, Planning Office for Urban Affairs, external organization representative
    • Vernon Walker, Clean Water Action & Clean Water Fund, external organization representative
    • Erin Engstrom, Eversource, EDC representative

Equity Working Group Meeting #4: November 3, 2023 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Equity Working Group Meeting #3: October 23, 2023 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Equity Working Group Meeting #2: October 10, 2023 from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Equity Working Group Meeting #1: October 2, 2023 from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Members of the public are invited to provide comments to the Equity Working Group on any matter related to equity and/or the ESMPs. Comments will be limited to 3 minutes. Participants may raise their virtual hand to be recognized to speak. Please indicate your name and affiliation when providing a comment. Written comments are welcomed at any time to  MA-GMAC@mass.gov. Written public comments will be posted to the GMAC website.

Information Requests

Contact

Online

DOER GMAC MA-GMAC@mass.gov

Address

100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114
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