Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (Massachusetts)

From Open Energy Information


Last modified on February 12, 2015.

Rules Regulations Policies Program

Place Massachusetts
Name Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard
Incentive Type Other Policy
Applicable Sector Investor-Owned Utility, Retail Supplier
Eligible Technologies CHP/Cogeneration
Active Incentive Yes
Implementing Sector State/Territory
Energy Category Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs























Website http://www.mass.gov/energy/rps
Date added to DSIRE 2011-02-09
Last DSIRE Review 2012-08-22


References DSIRE[1]


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, gasification with capture and permanent sequestration of carbon dioxide, flywheel energy storage, paper-derived fuel sources, or energy efficient steam technology. These projects must be new (start date after January 1, 2008) and must receive a statement of qualification from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to qualify.

In 2009 and 2010, ~99% of compliance was met using efficient CHP technologies.

Legislation passed in August 2012 requires that the state's executive office of energy and environmental affairs study adding technologies that generate "useful thermal energy" to the list of eligible technologies under this standard. That study will be completed by the end of December 2012.


Incentive Contact

Contact Name Howard Bernstein
Department Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
Address 100 Cambridge St.
Address 2 Suite 1020
Place Boston, Massachusetts
Zip/Postal Code 02114
Phone (617) 626-7300 Ext:40155


Email doer.rps@state.ma.us
Website http://www.state.ma.us/doer


Authorities (Please contact the if there are any file problems.)

Authority 1: M.G.L. ch. 25A, § 11F 1/2
Date Effective 01/2009
Date Enacted 07/2008


Authority 2: 225 CMR 16.00
Date Enacted 03/2009


Authority 3: S.B. 2395 (Session Law Chapter 209)
Date Enacted 2012-08-03















  • Incentive and policy data are reviewed and approved by the N.C. Solar Center's DSIRE project staff.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1  "Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE)"
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