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Massachusetts is taking big steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. To support this transition, Vote Solar, along with coalition partners, Senator Jamie Eldridge, and Representative Jack Lewis, has introduced two key bills:
- The Maximizing and Optimizing Small-scale Assets in Communities (MOSAIC) Act
- The Facilitating Distributed Energy Resources (Facilitating DERs) Act
These bills focus on expanding access to local solar projects and distributed energy resources (DERs), ensuring that more communities can benefit from clean, affordable power. If passed, they could reshape the state’s electric grid, making solar energy more equitable, accessible, and community-driven.
Transforming the Grid with Proven Solutions
Taken together, the MOSAIC Act (SD2553 / HD4155) and the Facilitating DERs Act (SD2488 / HD4154) represent a dual approach to modernizing Massachusetts’ energy infrastructure. By leveraging proven clean energy technologies, these bills aim to create a flexible, reliable, and cost-effective grid that supports the state’s clean energy transition while saving ratepayers money.
Clean Energy and Equity Reform: Massachusetts Sets a New Standard
The MOSAIC Act
Ambitious Goals for the Future
The MOSAIC Act sets bold objectives to ensure the grid remains adaptable, efficient, and affordable. It emphasizes long-term solutions like integrating Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) to reduce peak demand and align utility incentives with the adoption of distributed resources.
Vision for a Distributed Energy Grid
By fostering a decentralized grid, the MOSAIC Act ensures greater energy resilience, equitable access to clean energy, and reduced dependency on centralized fossil fuel-based systems.
The Facilitating DERs Act
Short-Term, Pragmatic Solutions
This act focuses on immediate changes, such as streamlining permitting and interconnection processes for small solar projects. These fixes aim to remove existing bottlenecks and accelerate the deployment of DERs across Massachusetts.
Efficiency and Feasibility
By addressing barriers to entry, the Facilitating DERs Act ensures that communities can more easily access and benefit from local solar projects and other distributed energy resources.
Steps to Go Solar in Massachusetts
Why Distributed Energy Resources Matter
Distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar, battery storage, and community solar projects, play a critical role in achieving a clean energy future. These systems offer numerous benefits:
Lower Energy Costs
By reducing reliance on expensive peak power plants, DERs help stabilize and lower utility bills.
Grid Resilience
A distributed grid is less vulnerable to disruptions, ensuring reliable energy delivery during extreme weather events.
Environmental Impact
Local clean energy solutions reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.
Community Benefits
DERs ensure that the advantages of clean energy are felt tangibly by all communities, particularly those historically underserved by traditional energy systems.
Addressing Massachusetts’ Energy Challenges
Massachusetts faces rising utility bills and growing electricity demands, making it imperative to adopt solutions that reduce costs and enhance grid flexibility. Distributed energy resources, such as local solar installations, emerge as vital components of this vision. These resources are recognized as effective tools for ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy transition are widespread and equitable.
Moreover, a clean, adaptable, and cost-efficient grid is essential for achieving a sustainable future. By implementing strategic changes to support the deployment of DERs, Massachusetts can chart a path toward a more resilient and inclusive energy system. The MOSAIC and Facilitating DERs Acts provide the framework for integrating these resources into the state’s energy landscape, addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals.
Key Innovations in the Bills
Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)
Harness the collective power of small-scale DERs, such as home batteries and solar panels, to function as a unified resource that reduces peak demand and provides grid stability.
Realigning Utility Incentives
Shift utilities’ focus from centralized fossil fuel generation to clean energy adoption, ensuring alignment with state climate goals.
Streamlined Processes
Simplify permitting and interconnection for small solar projects, reducing delays and fostering rapid deployment.
Why These Bills Matter Now
Massachusetts’ energy landscape is at a critical juncture. Record-high utility bills, growing electricity demands, and the urgent need to combat climate change require immediate and decisive action. The MOSAIC and Facilitating DERs Acts provide a comprehensive roadmap for achieving these objectives, ensuring a cleaner, more equitable energy future.
How You Can Support the Clean Energy Transition
- Learn more: Educate yourself about the MOSAIC and Facilitating DERs Acts and their potential impact on Massachusetts’ energy future.
- Advocate: Contact your state representatives and senators to express support for these bills.
- Participate: Engage with local clean energy initiatives and explore opportunities to integrate solar and DERs into your own energy use.
The MOSAIC and Facilitating DERs Acts represent a bold and necessary step toward a sustainable energy future for Massachusetts. By prioritizing distributed energy resources and equitable access to clean energy, these bills have the potential to transform the Commonwealth’s electric grid. With support from policymakers, advocates, and residents, Massachusetts can continue to lead the nation in the fight against climate change and the transition to renewable energy.
