As Massachusetts continues to make progress on its climate commitments, Vote Solar, along with coalition partners Senator Eldridge and Representative Lewis, have proposed two new bills that will prioritize access to local solar projects and distributed energy resources (DERs), ensuring ensured that the Commonwealth’s electricity grid can flexibly and affordably meet the demands of the clean energy transition.
Taken together, the two bills, the Maximizing and Optimizing Small-Scale Assets in Communities (MOSAIC) Act. and the Facilitating Distributed Energy Resources in the Commonwealth (Facilitating DERs) Actcan transform the electric grid using proven clean energy solutions that save taxpayers money. The bills set the Commonwealth on a path to a distributed clean energy future. The MOSAIC Act (SD2553 / HD4155) sets the ambitious goals Massachusetts needs to ensure a flexible, reliable and affordable network, while the Facilitating DERs Act (SD2488 / HD4154) proposes the common sense solutions that will get us there feasible and efficient.
“With Massachusetts’ record high energy bills and growing demand for electricity, we must turn our attention to solutions that reduce costs and provide grid flexibility. Distributed energy resources are key ingredients in that vision,” said Lindsay Griffin, Northeast Regional Director of Vote Solar. “We know that DERs, like local solar solutions, are the surest way to ensure that the benefits of our clean energy transition are tangibly felt by all communities.”
The Facilitating DERs bill focuses on short-term solutions, including streamlining permitting and interconnection processes for small solar projects. The MOSAIC Act lays the foundation for the distributed grid of the future and longer-term solutions, such as integrating virtual power plants (VPPs) as a central force in reducing peak demand and realigning utility incentives to achieve a promote greater adoption of distributed resources.
“A clean, flexible and affordable electricity grid is not just a goal – it is a necessity for a sustainable future,” said Elena Weissmann, Northeast Regional Director of Vote Solar. “By making common sense and visionary changes in the way we deploy DERs, we can help Massachusetts achieve the future it deserves. Action at the state level is more important than ever in light of President Trump’s plans to derail our Commonwealth and our nation’s path to net zero.”
News item from Vote Solar
