By BOSTON, MASS. | SEIA —
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker today filed a bill that will address the need to raise the net metering caps in the Commonwealth. The Governor’s action is an important step in the legislative process.
It recognizes both the popularity of solar in the state and its importance to the economy, and it advances the Governor’s commitment to reaching and exceeding 1,600 megawatts (MW) of solar in Massachusetts. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Vice President of State Affairs Sean Gallagher released the following statement:
“We applaud Gov. Baker for responding to the urgency of raising the net metering caps. Solar projects are stalled in 171 cities and towns across Massachusetts, putting jobs and environmental and economic progress at risk. The Governor’s engagement is a positive step forward in the legislative process, and will help ensure that solar continues to play an increasing role in Massachusetts’s energy mix,” said Gallagher.
“While this bill would address the near-term problem, some of the provisions of the bill that would take effect after a few years would be a backward step for solar in Massachusetts. Parts of the proposed bill’s long-term approach to compensating renewable distributed generation are concerning because they undervalue the local, clean, reliable energy that solar projects deliver to our electric grid. As the bill moves through the legislative process, SEIA urges policymakers to join other states that are leading on solar, such as New York and California, which are figuring out how to fairly compensate customers who go solar, even as they move to the next generation of solar policies. The Senate’s version of a net metering bill, passed two weeks ago, would do that,” said Gallagher.
“Today, however, we thank the Governor for his leadership in moving the conversation forward, and we look forward to working with the Administration and the legislature on a final bill that protects the 12,000 solar jobs in Massachusetts, delivers affordable clean energy to the thousands of homes, businesses and local governments that are waiting for it, and recognizes the many benefits that solar brings to the Commonwealth,” said Gallagher.
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