New Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities orders target increased solar savings

Michael P. Norton

State officials have issued two new orders designed to expand access to solar power through a program that allows customers to offset their energy use and send excess energy they generate back to the grid in exchange for credits that can be applied to their energy bills.

Under one order issued Friday by the Department of Public Utilities, the project threshold to net meter without a cap allocation would rise from 10 to 25 kilowatts, creating an opportunity for higher credit values.

A second order implements exceptions outlined by the Legislature to a rule that allowed only one net metering facility for each individual parcel of land. Regulators predict the change will help residents living in affordable housing units, condos, or townhouses on a single parcel.

“The updates to the Net Metering Program will allow more people, businesses, and municipalities to take advantage of the many benefits solar energy has to offer,” DPU Chair James Van Nostrand said. “Customers can further cut their energy costs, driving more affordability in our clean energy transition.”

To fully implement the changes, electric distribution companies Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil must submit new tariff filings to the DPU in January 2025.

“Once the filings have been submitted, the DPU will commence proceedings to update the tariff provisions. Eligible customers are able to contact their electric company to proactively be reclassified once the regulations are published in the Massachusetts Register in December,” the department said.