Solar & Battery Regulation & Incentive Programs

Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard

Program Overview


Category:
Regulatory Policy
Program Type:
Other Policy
Implementing Sector:
State
State:
Massachusetts
Eligible Storage Technologies:
Biomass, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Combined Heat & Power
Website:
http://www.mass.gov/energy/rps
Applicable Sectors:
Investor-Owned Utility, Retail Supplier
Last Updated:
05/22/2017

Summary

In July 2008, Governor Patrick signed a major energy reform bill, the Green Communities Act (S.B. 2768). As part of that legislation, Massachusetts created the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (APS), which requires meeting 5% of the state's electric load with "alternative energy" by 2020, according to the following schedule:

  • 1.00% by 2009
  • 1.50% by 2010
  • 2.00% by 2011
  • 2.50% by 2012
  • 3.00% by 2013
  • 3.50% by 2014
  • 3.75% by 2015
  • 4.00% by 2016
  • 4.25% by 2017
  • 4.50% by 2018
  • 4.75% by 2019
  • 5.00% by 2020

The “alternative energy generating sources” include combined heat and power (CHP) projects, flywheel energy storage, energy efficient steam technology. and renewable technologies that generate useful thermal energy. These projects must be new (start date after January 1, 2008) and must receive a statement of qualification from the Department of Energy Resources to qualify.

From 2009 to 2014, ~99% of compliance was met using efficient CHP technologies.


Authorities

NameEnacted DateEffective DateExpired Date
M.G.L. ch. 25A § 11F 1/207/200801/2009
225 CMR 16.0003/2009