Last week, State Representative Jeffrey Roy sent a letter Nelson, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) commissioner, who urged him to swiftly implement the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. Rapid action is needed for Massachusetts to make progress toward its ambitious clean energy goals for 2030.
However, it has been more than eighteen months since the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) finalized regulations to expand the program, and the Department of Public Utilities’ inaction on multiple non-controversial issues has failed to stop the program. implemented, wasting time needed to achieve the goals.
SEIA joined Rep. Roy and urged the Commissioner and Department of Public Utilities to immediately implement the stimulus program and rapidly expand the state’s solar installations.
“Massachusetts policymakers have already decided to expand the program and have put in place the regulations to do so,” said David Gahl, East senior policy director, for SEIA. “More than 100 MW of solar capacity has yet to be added to the grid due to inaction and drag from the Department of Public Utilities. Delays in implementing the SMART program are hampering progress toward the 2030 carbon emission reduction targets of Massachusetts.”
While Massachusetts is expected to add more than 1.8 gigawatts of solar power over the next five years, delaying incentives from the SMART program could slow solar installations and jeopardize progress towards the state’s climate goals. as 2030 approaches rapidly.
“To the Department of Public Utilities, it’s time to address these issues. It’s over now [a] A 100 MW backlog of proposed projects waiting for the SMART program and any moment we waste is slowing down our clean energy future. We join Representative Roy’s call for immediate implementation of this program and an end to this unnecessary delay,” Gahl said.
News item from SEIA
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