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 GMAC website has migrated to Modernizing the Massachusetts Electric Grid. Please use this link for more information.