Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard

Program Overview

Implementing Sector State
Category Regulatory Policy
State Massachusetts
Incentive Type Other Policy
Web Site https://www.mass.gov/alternative-energy-portfolio-standard
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies Solar Thermal Process Heat, Biomass, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Municipal Solid Waste, Combined Heat & Power, Fuel Cells using Non-Renewable Fuels
Applicable Sectors Investor-Owned Utility, Retail Supplier

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 (as shown below). The requirement increases by 0.25% after 2020 per compliance year.

  • 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, flywheel energy storage, energy-efficient steam technology. and renewable technologies that generate useful thermal energy. These projects must be new (start date after January 1, 2008) and must receive a statement of qualification from the Department of Energy Resources to qualify.

 

Authorities

Name M.G.L. ch. 25A § 11F 1/2
Date Enacted 07/2008
Effective Date 01/2009
Name 225 CMR 16.00
Date Enacted 03/2009

Contact

Public Information Officer
Organization:
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
Address:
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02110-1313
Phone:
(617) 626-7300
E-Mail:
doer.energy@mass.gov