Transmission procurement eyed to pull clean energy into Massachusetts

The state’s top energy official expects action imminently from the regional electric grid operator in connection with a significant procurement that could eventually bring wind power from the north down into Massachusetts.

“We’re actively discussing with our neighbors about bringing on new resources on a number of fronts. This is particularly true in the area of a transmission,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper said during a State House News Service/MASSterList event. 

She added, “In a matter of days, we expect that ISO New England is going to issue an RFP for the first-ever competitive procurement for transmission.”

New England states requested in 2024 that the grid operator issue a request for proposals, which would enable the state to gather ideas about how it can accommodate clean energy and connection points while building out its grid. Proposals for the transmission RFP will reportedly likely be due later in 2025.

“This is wonky, but it’s extremely important and innovative,” Tepper said. “It means that we’re going to be able to, as a region, open up the possibility of additional onshore wind from Maine that’s there, ready to go, but stuck. We’re going to open that up for it to come, to flow into the grid.”

The 2024 energy siting and permitting law authorized the state to start its own procurement process for energy storage, and to join other states’ procurements of clean energy.

The procurement news comes as energy policy shifts dramatically at the federal level and the Healey administration works on regulations and guidance for implementing the state’s 2024 energy law.

Tepper said the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has already signed off on the process. She called it “the first time that the states have driven a procurement like this.”

Tepper identified energy interconnection as an emerging topic and pointed to opportunities for Massachusetts to collaborate further with neighboring states on energy procurement. 

“In the recent climate law, the Legislature granted us the ability to join a multi-state procurement for clean energy, and we’re considering with our colleagues right now, sort of the best way to use that authority,” Tepper said.