RGGI Can Meet Long-Term State and Federal Targets with Program Modifications
Boston – A new report from Acadia Center explains how reforms to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) could strengthen the program to ensure that member states meet their state and federal emissions reduction targets. RGGI’s experience to-date has demonstrated that market-based solutions can achieve significant emissions reductions while creating economic benefits, and makes the participating Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states well positioned to comply with EPA’s Clean Power Plan. However, as national leaders on climate action, eight of the nine RGGI states have established economy-wide GHG reduction goals for 2050, and meeting these goals will require the states to go above and beyond the Clean Power Plan targets. Acadia Center’s report, What’s Next for RGGI?, details how the RGGI model aligns with the framework of the final Clean Power Plan, and describes the changes that can be made in the upcoming 2016 Program Review to put the RGGI states on a path to meet their long-term targets.
Key takeaways from the report:
- EPA’s Final CPP targets have been modified to level the playing field between leading and opportunity states;
- Final CPP targets will require reforms to strengthen RGGI;
- Necessary reforms will allow states to achieve 27% of their 2050 economy-wide GHG reduction requirements through RGGI;
- Without strengthening reforms RGGI will deliver only 1% of state GHG reduction requirements;
- Reducing electric sector emissions through RGGI is the most effective means of achieving economy-wide GHG reduction requirements.
“The RGGI states have designed a model that is demonstrating how emissions reductions can be achieved at low costs to ratepayers and economic benefits,” said Daniel L. Sosland, Acadia Center President.
“RGGI states are well positioned to meet the requirements of the Clean Power Plan,” said Jordan Stutt, Policy Analyst at Acadia Center. “The upcoming 2016 Program Review offers the opportunity to strengthen the program and ensure long-term emissions reductions from the power sector.”
By undertaking the following program reforms, RGGI states will ensure continuation of the program’s environmental, consumer, and economic benefits:
- Aligning the RGGI cap trajectory with long-term state GHG reduction requirements, which can be achieved through a fixed annual decline that achieves a cumulative 90% reduction in power sector emissions by 2050; and
- Restructuring or removing the cost containment reserve (CCR) mechanism to avoid the release of additional allowances that undermine RGGI’s environmental performance.
“As creators of the nation’s first market-based program for reducing CO2 emissions from the power sector, RGGI states have a strong record of leadership,” said Peter Shattuck, Director of Acadia Center’s Clean Energy Initiative. “RGGI’s next phase can keep states on track for demonstrating the viability and benefits of sound climate policy.”
For more information on RGGI and the program’s performance to-date, see: http://acadiacenter.org/document/rggi-a-model-program-for-the-power-sector-2015-update
Contact:
Peter Shattuck, Director, Clean Energy Initiative
pshattuck@acadiacenter.org, (617) 742-0054 x103,
Jordan Stutt, Policy Analyst
jstutt@acadiacenter.org, (617) 742-0054 x105
Kiernan Dunlop, Communications Associate
kdunlop@acadiacenter.org, (617) 742- 0054 x107
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Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.
Environmental & Clean Energy Stakeholders to Propose Comprehensive Energy Policy
Boston- Tomorrow, the Joint Committee on Telecommunication, Utilities, and Energy will hear from the public on legislation that could change over one-third of the electric supply in Massachusetts. It is critical that an energy bill of this magnitude be tailored to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the clean energy economy of the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, none of the legislation currently on the table would accomplish this vital goal. For this reason, the Global Warming Solutions Project (GWSP) will present its plan at the hearing for a comprehensive energy policy that will create a more diverse and stable electricity supply, maximize potential clean energy benefits, and minimize risks to ratepayers and our environment.
The testimony will be available here after the hearing.
The GWSP’s legislative efforts are led by Acadia Center, Appalachian Mountain Club, Conservation Law Foundation, Clean Water Action, Environmental League of Massachusetts, and Mass Energy Consumers Alliance. The group works in collaboration with Mass Power Forward, a new grassroots network of over 100 clean energy businesses, economic justice organizations, faith communities and other allies from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. Together, this coalition is committed to ensuring the Massachusetts legislature advances a strong clean energy bill.
The GWSP Energy Resources Plan calls on the legislature to do the following:
- Immediately lift the cap on solar net metering and revise solar programs to value the full benefits that local, customer-owned projects provide to the energy grid.
- Ensure any large-scale procurement of hydropower electricity includes at least 30% Class I Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)-eligible resources of its electricity.
- Strengthen our energy efficiency programs and promote innovations in energy storage and energy resource planning.
- Maximize new renewable energy resources by bringing online 2,000 MW of offshore wind by 2025 and increasing our Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) target from 1 percent to 2 percent growth each year.
- Include safeguards to protect economic and environmental interests of the Commonwealth and ratepayers.
- Prevent subsidies for natural gas pipeline expansion.
The legislature has an opportunity to steer the Commonwealth toward significant improvements to our energy portfolio that will benefit Massachusetts customers and our environment, but this cannot happen without significant improvements to the currently proposed bills. The GWSP looks forward to working with legislators to craft the comprehensive energy package that the Commonwealth needs.
Sincerely,
Amy Boyd & Peter Shattuck, Acadia Center
Heather Clish, Appalachian Mountain Club
Caitlin Peale Sloan & David Ismay, Conservation Law Foundation
Joel Wool, Clean Water Action
Josh Craft, Environmental League of Massachusetts
Bill Ravanesi, Health Care Without Harm
Eugenia Gibbons, Mass Energy Consumers Alliance
Contact:
Kiernan Dunlop, Communications Associate
kdunlop@acadiacenter.org, (617) 742- 0054 x107
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Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.
Northeast Carbon Trading Program Raises $152 Million on the Way to Clean Power Plan Compliance
Member states of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) today announced the results of the 29th quarterly auction of carbon dioxide (CO2) allowances. 25,374,294 CO2 allowances were sold at a clearing price of $6.02, which includes all 10,000,000 available allowances from the Cost Containment Reserve. This clearing price is 9% higher than the previous auction, and 23% higher than the clearing price from one year ago. The RGGI states have now raised $2.26 billion for reinvestment, the majority of which is used to fund energy efficiency and other consumer benefit programs. RGGI has been a successful model for reducing power sector emissions, and with reforms to ensure future environmental performance, it will be an effective means of complying with EPA’s Clean Power Plan.
The results of this latest auction show that the RGGI market continues to thrive, with clearing prices increasing in seven of the last eight quarterly auctions. These rising prices are indicative of confidence in the program’s future. RGGI’s first-in-nation model for reducing CO2 from the power sector has outperformed expectations, both in terms of environmental and economic results. As states explore their options for compliance with EPA’s Clean Power Plan, RGGI’s flexible, market-based approach to regulating power plants has gained increasing attention.
“The RGGI states’ success in reducing climate pollution from the power sector has paved the way for other states to adopt effective market-based climate programs,” said Acadia Center President, Daniel Sosland. “RGGI states have created the blueprint for an effective and economically beneficial pathway to a clean energy future.”
In crafting the final version of the Clean Power Plan, EPA took measures to support the use of programs like RGGI. EPA provided final targets in mass-based terms, facilitated the use of multi-state trading programs, and allowed states to treat emissions from new and existing units equally. In sum, these steps from EPA will let the RGGI states comply by using their existing model, with a few minor changes.
One of these changes will be a revision to the Cost Containment Reserve.
“The purchase of ten million Cost Containment Reserve allowances in Auction 29 demonstrates the need for reform of this price control mechanism” said Jordan Stutt, Policy Analyst with Acadia Center. As currently structured, additional allowances from the Cost Containment Reserve become available for purchase when price thresholds are met. “These additional allowances have now been made available in both years of the Cost Containment Reserve’s existence. Allowances purchased from the Cost Containment Reserve inflate the RGGI cap, undermining the program’s environmental performance and complicating the process of demonstrating compliance with the Clean Power Plan and state GHG reduction requirements.”
Since RGGI’s launch, emissions have declined significantly as electric generation from natural gas and renewables has displaced carbon-intensive generation from coal and oil, and as investments in energy efficiency have reduced demand for power. Declining emissions have been accompanied by a drop in electricity prices, which are down 2% on average across the region since RGGI took effect in 2009.
“RGGI has demonstrated that smart policy can drive emissions reductions in the power sector while generating consumer benefits,” said Peter Shattuck, Director of Acadia Center’s Clean Energy Initiative. “The continued increase in RGGI allowance prices will help to accelerate the transition to a cleaner power sector.”
Additional information on RGGI’s performance to date, and role in EPA’s regulatory process are described in Acadia Center’s July, 2015 report: RGGI: A Model Program for the Power Sector
RGGI Overview:
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the first mandatory, market-based effort in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Nine Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states reduce CO2 emissions by setting an overall limit on emissions “allowances” which permit power plants to dispose of CO2 in the atmosphere. States sell allowances through auctions and invest proceeds in consumer benefit programs: energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other programs.
The official RGGI web site is: www.rggi.org
Contact:
Jordan Stutt, Policy Analyst jstutt@acadiacenter.org, (617) 742-0054 x105
Kiernan Dunlop, Communications Associate kdunlop@acadiacenter.org, (617) 742- 0054 x107
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Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.
Acadia Center Welcomes Tyler Soleau as Energy and Climate Outreach Director
Boston, MA —Acadia Center is pleased to announce that Tyler Soleau has joined the organization as Energy and Climate Outreach Director. His focus is on raising awareness, network building and advancing Acadia Center’s clean energy program goals in Massachusetts and the Northeast.
“We’re very excited to have Tyler on our team. His extensive experience in state government and energy and climate policy will contribute greatly to our work to advance a consumer-friendly, more local and clean energy system that will strengthen our communities and help bring together stakeholders and networks for broad-based support,” said Daniel L. Sosland, Acadia Center President. “Tyler brings a strong background and enthusiasm for community outreach and clean energy advocacy.”
Tyler comes to Acadia Center from the Massachusetts House of Representatives where he served most immediately as Staff Director and Counsel for the House Committee on Climate Change. In that position he had primary responsibility for the Committee’s operations, policy development, coalition building and communications. Previously, Tyler was Legislative Director and Counsel for the Committee. He created the Green Economy Caucus and was active on the Electric Vehicle Task Force, the Ocean Advisory Commission and the GWSA Advisory Committee.
Tyler holds a JD magna cum laude from Vermont Law School and BA in Government and Environmental Studies from Hamilton College.
Contact:
Emily Avery-Miller, Dir. External Relations
(617) 742-0054 x100, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org
Tyler Soleau, Energy and Climate Outreach Director
(617) 742-0054 x108, tsoleau@acadiacenter.org
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Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.
New Study Shows Value of Solar in Vermont
Acadia Center today released a study that quantifies the grid and societal benefits of solar photovoltaic systems (solar PV) in Vermont. Establishing the value of distributed resources is increasingly important as states explore ways to meet energy needs and deploy clean energy resources. Acadia Center has also released Value of Solar studies for Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island and Maine‘s Public Utilities Commission recently completed a similar type of analysis to inform decision making processes in that state.
Acadia Center assessed the grid and societal value of six solar PV systems to better understand the overall value that solar PV provides to the grid. By evaluating an array of configurations, this analysis determines that the value of solar to the grid – and ratepayers connected to the grid – ranges from 19-23 cents/kWh, with additional societal values of 7 cents/kWh.
“Solar generation is a valuable local energy resource that provides significant benefits to ratepayers,” said Ellen Hawes, Senior Analyst, Energy Systems & Carbon Markets. Solar PV provides unique value to the electric grid by reducing energy demand, providing power during peak periods, and avoiding generation and related emissions charges from conventional power plants. The overall grid value of solar is the sum total of these different benefits.
In addition to the value that solar provides to the grid, Acadia Center’s study finds that solar PV provides broader societal benefits, including environmental gains from reduced or avoided greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. “Societal benefits should be included when assessing the overall costs and benefits of solar PV and determining additional incentives,” said Leslie Malone, Acadia Center Senior Analyst and an author of the report.
The recently passed renewable energy standard in Vermont carves out an increasing requirement for distributed generation, opening up a larger role for solar PV in the state. In addition, the Public Service Board is in the process of drafting a revised net metering program, potentially changing rate structure. “We hope that adding to the understanding of the value that solar provides to the grid and ratepayers will help inform this proceeding,” said Malone.
For more information and methodology see: http://acadiacenter.org/document/value-of-solar-vermont/
Contact:
Ellen Hawes, Senior Analyst, Energy Systems and Carbon Markets, Acadia Center, 802-649-1140, ehawes@acadiacenter.org
Leslie Malone, Senior Analyst, Acadia Center, 401-276-0600, lmalone@acadiacenter.org
Emily Avery-Miller, Director External Relations, Acadia Center, 617-742-0054 x001, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org
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Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.
RGGI’s Economic and Environmental Success Lays Blueprint for Benefits under Clean Power Plan
Boston – A new report from Acadia Center shows that the northeast and mid-Atlantic states’ Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) continues to drive down emissions while boosting economic growth, making the program a model for compliance with EPA’s forthcoming Clean Power Plan. Acadia Center’s report, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: A Model Program for the Power Sector, details emissions trends, investment benefits, and changes in regional electricity generation over RGGI’s six years of operation. The report explains why RGGI is a natural fit for compliance with the Clean Power Plan, what other states can learn from the RGGI experience, and the specific changes that the RGGI states will need to make as part of the 2016 Program Review.
Key findings:
- Emissions in 2014 fell 5% below the regional cap largely due to increasing generation from renewables and efficiency improvements.
- Electricity prices have declined by 2% across the region since RGGI’s launch.
- Since the program’s launch RGGI states have seen 3 times the emissions reductions of other states and 3 percentage points of additional economic growth.
According to a recent Analysis Group report, all nine of the participating states’ economies have experienced net gains as a result of RGGI, with the region as a whole seeing $2.76 billion in value added and 28,500 new job years of employment.
“The experience of the RGGI states shows that we can reduce emissions while benefitting consumers and boosting economic growth,” said Daniel L. Sosland, Acadia Center President.
“Thanks to the success of the RGGI program, states around the country have gained confidence in market-based mechanisms to reduce CO2 emissions,” said Peter Shattuck, Director of Acadia Center’s Clean Energy Initiative. “That confidence has translated into numerous multi-state groups discussing RGGI-like trading programs to comply with the Clean Power Plan.”
While the RGGI states are well positioned to meet the requirements of the Clean Power Plan, the upcoming 2016 Program Review offers an opportunity to implement necessary modifications to the strengthen the program. Keeping the states on track for deep emissions reductions and qualifying RGGI for compliance with the EPA rule will require:
- Extending the RGGI cap to at least 2030 in order to provide additional clarity to the market and match EPA’s timeline for achievement of CPP targets;
- Correcting the cap reduction trajectory to deliver necessary long term emissions reductions; and,
- Revising or removing the Cost Containment Reserve to ensure achievement of emissions reduction targets.
Once EPA releases the finalized Clean Power Plan, the RGGI states can begin analyzing the targets and modeling the impacts of the program reforms outlined above. “The upcoming Program Review provides an opportunity for the RGGI states to meet EPA’s targets, and continue their role as national leaders on climate,” said Jordan Stutt, Policy Analyst at Acadia Center. “Just as they did in the 2012 Program Review, we expect the RGGI states to prioritize a strengthened RGGI program as part of the 2016 review process.”
For more information see: http://acadiacenter.org/document/rggi-a-model-program-for-the-power-sector-2015-update
Contact:
Peter Shattuck, Director, Clean Energy Initiative, Acadia Center
(617) 742-0054 x103, pshattuck@acadiacenter.org
Emily Avery-Miller, Director, External Relations, Acadia Center
(617) 742-0054 x100, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org
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Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.
New Study Shows Value of Solar in Rhode Island
Acadia Center today released a study that quantifies the grid and societal benefits of solar photovoltaic systems (solar PV) in Rhode Island. Establishing the value of distributed resources is increasingly important as states explore ways to meet energy needs and deploy clean energy resources. Acadia Center has also released Value of Solar studies for Massachusetts and Connecticut, and Maine’s Public Utilities Commission recently completed a similar type of analysis to inform decision making processes in that state.
Acadia Center assessed the grid and societal value of six solar PV systems to better understand the overall value that solar PV provides to the grid. By evaluating an array of configurations, this analysis determines that the value of solar to the grid—and ratepayers connected to the grid—ranges from 19-25 cents/kWh, with additional societal values of 7 cents/kWh.
“Solar generation is a valuable local energy resource that provides significant benefits to ratepayers,” said Abigail Anthony, Director of Acadia Center’s Grid Modernization Initiative and Rhode Island Office. Solar PV provides unique value to the electric grid by reducing energy demand, providing power during peak periods, and avoiding generation and related emissions charges from conventional power plants. The overall grid value of solar is the sum total of these different benefits.
In addition to the value that solar provides to the grid, Acadia Center’s study finds that solar PV provides broader societal benefits, including environmental gains from reduced or avoided greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. “Societal benefits should be included when assessing the overall costs and benefits of solar PV and determining additional incentives,” said Leslie Malone, Acadia Center Senior Analyst and an author of the report.
“The avoided costs and benefits add up and justify the compensation and incentives that solar PV receives through programs like the Renewable Energy Growth Program,” said Malone. Under the Renewable Energy Growth Program—which was launched in June 2015—National Grid will purchase electricity from eligible distributed generation projects in Rhode Island through a long-term contract at a guaranteed fixed price. Rhode Island also has retail rate net-metering for distributed generation, and the grid value alone supports this level of compensation.
In light of net-metering and in anticipation of the increasing amount of distributed generation in the electric system, the RI Public Utility Commission has opened a docket to assess distribution rate design and cost allocation. “We hope that having a better understanding of the value that solar provides to the grid and ratepayers will help inform this proceeding, which could be precedent-setting for other jurisdictions,” said Malone.
For more information and methodology see: http://acadiacenter.org/document/value-of-distributed-generation-solar-pv-in-ri
Contact:
Leslie Malone, Senior Analyst
(401) 276-0600, lmalone@acadiacenter.org
Emily Avery-Miller, External Relations Director
(617) 742-0054 x100, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org
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Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.
Massachusetts Attorney General’s Evaluation of Gas Pipeline Alternatives Will Contribute Needed Consumer, Cost and Environmental Information
Boston, MA – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey yesterday announced that her office will lead a study of New England’s energy needs in order to evaluate options for cost-effectively meeting demand for electricity and natural gas while at the same time achieving necessary reductions in carbon pollution. The study will be completed by October, and the Attorney General’s office has called for restraint in certifying new pipeline capacity contracts until the results of the analysis are available.
“This important step by Attorney General Maura Healey reflects the changing nature of our energy system, where diverse clean energy resources can compete with fossil fuels.” said Daniel L. Sosland, Acadia Center President. “Massachusetts consumers deserve this full and fair analysis before they are called upon to pay for expensive new energy projects whose need has not been determined yet. Acadia Center has been calling for this sort of analysis for over a year, and we are glad to see true leadership from the Attorney General’s Office.”
In an analysis series recently published in Commonwealth Magazine, Acadia Center described how proposals to spend up to $8 billion in ratepayers funds on new pipelines could:
- Cause billions in stranded expenditures if natural gas prices shift
- Lead to large-scale natural gas exports, forcing New England to compete with buyers in more expensive markets and potentially causing regional gas prices to increase by up to 45%
- Cause the region to exceed legally required carbon pollution reductions by over 100%
Acadia Center’s analysis series also describes how the performance of the regional energy system through last winter’s record cold demonstrates the logic of prioritizing low-risk steps such as utilizing liquefied natural (LNG) gas, tweaking energy market rules, and investing in energy efficiency. Additionally, prices for LNG and oil – both of which can substitute for gas during periods of peak winter demand – have tumbled over the last year, making prior economic justifications of expanding pipeline capacity obsolete.
“With billions of dollars and billions of tons of carbon pollution on the line, we have to get the analysis right,” said Peter Shattuck, Massachusetts Director for Acadia Center. “As an advocate for ratepayers, Maura Healey is ensuring that investments benefits consumers and minimize risks of tying us to an overpriced and outdated energy system.”
Forty-Four Organizations Propose Next Generation Solar Policy Framework for Massachusetts and Call for Lifting of Net Metering Caps
Boston, MA – In advance of a hearing today on solar policy at the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee at the Massachusetts legislature, forty-four organizations, including sustainable energy and environmental advocates, solar developers, public health organizations, and community groups, are proposing the Next Generation Solar Policy Framework for Massachusetts. This framework would put us on a pathway to a self-sustaining solar industry that can help our state continue a record of success on jobs inside and outside the solar industry, meet its energy and environmental goals, and ensure all citizens and communities have access to solar resources. As a part of this framework, these organizations are also calling on the General Court and Governor Baker’s Administration to raise the net metering caps that are currently stopping community shared, low-income, municipal and other solar projects in 171 cities and towns across Massachusetts.
Today, the Massachusetts solar industry supports more than 12,000 jobs, according to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. Many businesses and jobs are at risk due to net metering caps that have stalled many solar projects in National Grid’s service territory, and layoffs are already starting to take place. Legislative action is needed to lift these caps. But political leaders have made it clear that some changes to existing solar programs will need to be made at the same time.
“It is indisputable that solar power is now part of the Commonwealth’s economic and energy future.” said Daniel L. Sosland, Acadia Center President. “This Framework will move us forward by providing for full and fair compensation for all parties, pivot towards a more modern and efficient rate structure, and allow continued expansion of solar as a resource for meeting local and regional energy needs.”
Key policy reforms described in the Next Generation Solar Policy Framework for Massachusetts:
- Lift caps on solar development;
- Preserve key aspects of Massachusetts’ net metering and virtual net metering programs;
- Phase in new credits and charges for solar generators based on analysis of the long-run net costs and benefits of solar generation to the electric grid;
- Establish a new “adjustable block” compensation mechanism that promotes more cost-effective solar development, provides more certainty for developers, and allows Massachusetts to pursue ambitious clean energy goals;
- Avoid increased fixed charges and minimum bills, which penalize low-income customers and undermine efficiency incentives; and,
- Appropriately grandfather existing projects under the policies under which they were built.
A range of solar organizations have united behind a set of broad principles for future solar policy in Massachusetts. The coalition behind the Next Generation Solar Policy Framework for Massachusetts builds on those shared principles by adding important details on how compensation mechanisms should be designed. The new framework preserves the best elements of the Commonwealth’s existing solar energy programs, while modifying the way that solar energy producers are compensated to more fully and fairly account for the benefits and costs that local solar resources offer to our energy grid. The framework includes a sustainable rate model for maintenance and modernization of the distribution grid.
“Critically, the Next Generation Solar Policy Framework preserves the existing virtual net metering mechanism, which gives everyone access to solar, including the 80% of households and businesses that don’t have their own sunny rooftop,” stated Emily Rochon, Director of Energy and Environmental Policy for Boston Community Capital. “Equal access to solar maximizes the potential to use solar to build healthier and more resilient communities and address the energy affordability challenges created by rising and volatile energy prices.”
Steven Strong, President of Solar Design Associates, argues: “With the International Monetary Fund recently publishing their findings that the fossil fuel industry is subsidized by over five trillion dollars a year, suggestions that solar is being unfairly subsidized are frankly absurd. We need a long-term solar policy framework that compensates the people who invest in solar fairly and fully for the value that their systems provide for all citizens of the Commonwealth and, with climate change accelerating faster than anyone thought possible, this is no time to slow down renewable energy development. While general policy goals that everyone agrees to are important, it’s also important for the legislature to get the details right in order to make sure that policy will be successful.”
“Distributed clean energy like solar is a critical component of Massachusetts’ commitment to fight climate change and reduce energy costs,” said Joel Wool, Energy Advocate with Clean Water Action. “By decentralizing power and capitalizing on free and abundant sunlight, we keep energy dollars local, stabilize prices, reduce health-threatening air pollution and distribute the economic benefits of renewable energy to communities from rural Berkshire towns to port cities on the South Coast.”
Mark LeBel, Staff Attorney at Acadia Center, who took the lead in drafting the framework said: “This proposal draws on a number of concepts shared between key stakeholders, but contributes important detail to achieve a balanced and equitable outcome, and avoids negative side effects on energy efficiency incentives and low-income customers. We look forward to continuing the discussion with all the other stakeholders. We hope the Legislature will act quickly to enact policies that will get the solar industry back to full capacity in Massachusetts and propel us into our clean energy future.”
For more information see: http://acadiacenter.org/document/next-generation-solar-policy-framework-for-ma/
Contact:
Mark LeBel, Staff Attorney, 617-742-0054 x104, mlebel@acadiacenter.org
Emily Avery-Miller, Director, External Relations, 617-742-0054 x100, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org
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Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.
Acadia Center Welcomes Chuck Quintero as Clean Energy Community Engagement Director in Maine
Rockport, ME –Acadia Center is pleased to announce that Chuck Quintero is joining the organization as Director of Clean Energy Community Engagement (Maine), where his focus will be on raising awareness, network building and advancing Acadia Center’s clean energy program goals.
“We’re very excited that Chuck is joining our team. Chuck’s deep knowledge of Maine and extensive experience in state government and community outreach will contribute greatly to our work to advance a consumer-friendly, more local and clean energy system that will strengthen our communities and position Maine for a stronger economic future,” said Daniel L. Sosland, Acadia Center President. “Chuck’s background makes him an informed and effective leader in Maine’s energy and policy landscape.”
Chuck comes to Acadia Center with two decades of experience in government and politics. He has extensive experience in Maine public affairs, managing multiple statewide campaigns for the Maine Democratic Party and serving in both the state’s legislative and executive branches, as chief of staff to the Senate president, a former Senate majority leader, and as a legislative liaison for former Governor John Baldacci. Chuck has coordinated event planning for the Office of the President and served in a series of positions on outreach, advance team services and communications with the New Jersey Governor’s Office and on national campaigns.
Chuck holds a B.A. in Biology from Manhattanville College and resides in Richmond, Maine with his wife and two young children.
Contact:
Daniel L. Sosland, President, Acadia Center, 207-236-6470, dsosland@acadiacenter.org
Emily Avery-Miller, Director External Relations, Acadia Center, 207-576-6550, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org
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Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.