Massachusetts

Summary: Massachusetts’ investor-owned utilities use an established interconnection process for all distributed generation, including CHP. There are three tiers of interconnection, corresponding with increased system scrutiny and fees. There is no set limit on system size, but a more extensive system impact study may be required on systems larger than 1MW, and is definitely required for systems larger than 5MW.

Links:

• The Uniform Standards for Interconnection Distributed Generation for each utility can be viewed here: Tariff Documents
• Visit the DSIRE database for more information about this standard
• Visit the EPA’s website for information about specific eligible technologies
• The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Interconnection Guide for Distributed Generation can be viewed here: Guide

Contact:

Barry Perlmutter
Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
100 Cambridge Street, Room 1210
Boston, MA 02202
Phone: (617) 305-3659
Fax: (617) 723-8812
E-Mail: barry.perlmutter@state.ma.us
Web site: http://www.state.ma.us/dpu

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Summary:  National Grid does not offer a standard standby rate. Rather, standby service is available on a contract basis for a specific amount, and system owners would be charged under one of the regular rates. Larger facilities would be charged rates with large demand components. This policy is seen as neutral toward CHP. NStar Electric Company charges standby service under Rate SB-G3, which is entirely demand-based, though the if the maximum monthly peak demand occurred during off-peak hours, the monthly maximum is reduced by 30%. This rate is seen as not favorable toward CHP.

Links:

• Massachusetts Electric Company/National Grid’s electric rates are available here: Rates
• NStar Electric’s Rate SB-G3 is available here: Rate

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Summary: For the Massachusetts NOx cap and trade program, designed to meet the requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Interstate Act (CAIR), NOx emissions of CHP systems are calculated using an output-based methodology.

Links:

• The state’s regulations pertaining to CAIR can be viewed here: Regulations
• The EPA’s website provides more detailed information on the output-based regulations

Contact:
Bob Donaldson
One Winter Street
Boston, MA 2108
U.S.A.
(617) 292-5619

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Description: Per Massachusetts Senate Bill 2768, and effective January 1, 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources established an APS, in addition to its existing Renewable Portfolio Standard. The APS sets targets for sales of “alternative” energy to retail customers by electricity suppliers. For the purposes of the APS, CHP is specifically included as an “alternative generation unit.”

Links:

• The DSIRE database includes detailed information about the history of Massachusetts’ portfolio standards.
• Senate Bill 2768 can be viewed here.
• A detailed description by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources of the APS can be viewed here [PDF].

Howard Bernstein
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
100 Cambridge St.
Suite 1020
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 626-7300 Ext.40155
Fax: (617) 727-0030
E-Mail: doer.rps@state.ma.us
Web site: http://www.state.ma.us/doer

Last Updated 08/27/2009

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