BOSTON, MA – State Representative James Miceli, along with a majority of his colleagues in the House of Representatives, voted in favor of legislation that immediately inflates the net-metering cap, setting the course for Massachusetts to reach its future solar energy goals.
The bill in question aims to provide a foundation from which the state’s thriving solar industry may continue to prosper, while reducing burdens on ratepayers themselves. The bill’s passage raises the cap by 2 percent for both public and private facilities, resulting in a 44 percent increase of the overall cap. The legislation also specifies that the Department of Public Utilities must work to alleviate utility costs for solar producing consumers by establishing a fair minimum bill. The sustainability of the Massachusetts renewable energy industry has been a potent point of discussion on Beacon Hill, and the favorable votes of Representative Miceli and his counterparts in the House serve to bolster the state economy while at the same time providing an adequate framework for future solar development. As a result of the vote, many net metering projects currently in development will be pushed forward, strengthening the solar industry and guaranteeing that it will not grind to a standstill.
In addition to raising the cap, this legislation acknowledges a comprehensive set of solar goals, with Massachusetts aiming to develop 1600 megawatts (MW) of solar power by 2020. In another victory for advocates of solar power, there is language in the legislation which permits net-metering projects connected to the grid before the 1,600 megawatt goal is reached to be grandfathered in under existing incentive programs. This will substantially benefit solar producers and promote the continued proliferation of solar power.
The positive changes induced by the passage of the solar bill supplement the extensive incentives which are offered to Massachusetts citizens and businesses seeking to invest in solar power. Despite pushback from those who are critical of the bill, its passage in the House represents a positive step forward in the movement to encourage transitions to renewable energy sources. Representative Miceli will work closely with his colleagues in the House to draft and pass and omnibus energy bill later in the session.
(NOTE: The above press release is from State Representative Jim Miceli’s Office.)
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