Massachusetts Clean Energy Advocates Welcome SMART Program Order

BOSTON, Mass. – Massachusetts solar advocates are pleased to see that the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has issued its Order on the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. This will not only enable the launch of the program, it will allow the Massachusetts’ solar industry to begin to invest in new projects and return much-needed solar jobs to the Commonwealth. We look forward to reviewing the Order and working with the Department of Energy Resources, our members, and other stakeholders to work out final details and ensure the program is implemented successfully and to the greatest economic and environmental benefit of all Massachusetts residents and businesses.

“The release of the SMART Order from the DPU, and the program’s implementation, will help get the Massachusetts solar market moving again,” said David Gahl, Director of State Affairs, Northeast for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “Although we are still reviewing the Order details, we are pleased to begin this new chapter.  We look forward to working with the Baker-Polito Administration to help Massachusetts reclaim its place as one of America’s leading solar states.”

“While historically a national leader on solar, the Massachusetts solar industry has slowed over the past two years. The issuance of the SMART Order is the critical step needed for solar to ramp up in the Commonwealth again,” said Janet Gail Besser, NECEC Executive Vice President. “SMART is expected to save ratepayers 4.7 billion dollars and create thousands of jobs. This is certainly an exciting time for solar in Massachusetts.”

“Today’s decision allows community solar to move forward and expand access to the 75% of residents in the Commonwealth who can’t place solar on their roofs,” said Brandon Smithwood, policy director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access. “We will continue to work with the Baker Administration to ensure the SMART program delivers on its promise of making affordable local community solar available to all residents and businesses who want it.”

“Solar projects have been stalled across the Commonwealth for more than a year now awaiting the launch of the SMART program, which will still be weeks from now. These projects will mean local investment, new jobs and property taxes, as well as a cleaner and more resilient energy system,” said Sean Garren, Senior Director, Northeast for Vote Solar. “We are still examining the details of this order, but are happy to see it moving forward and hope the SMART program will be implemented as quickly as possible.”  

“After many delays, this order from the DPU will help solar energy regain momentum across the Commonwealth,” said Mark Sylvia, President of the Solar Energy Business Association of New England. “As always, details matter; we are still reviewing the specifics, but are encouraged by this critical step in putting the Massachusetts solar industry back on track through the SMART program.”

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 44th anniversary in 2018, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 250,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America.  SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.
 

About Vote Solar:

Vote Solar is a non-profit organization working to foster economic development and energy independence by bringing solar energy to the mainstream nationwide. Learn more at www.votesolar.org
 

About CCSA:

The Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) is a national Coalition of businesses and non-profits working to expand customer choice and access to solar to all American households and businesses through community solar. Community solar refers to local solar facilities shared by multiple community subscribers who receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced.  Community solar provides homeowners, renters, and businesses equal access to the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy generation regardless of the physical attributes or ownership of their home or business. Community solar expands access to solar for all, including low-to-moderate income customers, all while building a stronger, distributed, and more resilient electric grid. For more information, visit our website at www.communitysolaraccess.org, follow us on Twitter at @solaraccess and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communitysolaraccess.
 

About SEBANE:

The Solar Energy Business Association of New England comprises approximately 70 member solar-related companies based in and/or doing business in New England. Visit www.sebane.org
 

About NECEC:

NECEC is the premier voice of businesses building a world-class clean energy hub in the Northeast, helping clean energy companies start, scale and succeed with our unique business, innovation and policy leadership. NECEC includes the Northeast Clean Energy Council (a nonprofit business member organization), and NECEC Institute (a nonprofit focused on industry research, innovation, policy development and communications initiatives). NECEC brings together business leaders and key stakeholders to engage in influential policy discussions and business initiatives while building connections that propel the clean energy industry forward. www.necec.org

Media Contacts:

Alex Hobson, SEIA Director of External Communications, ahobson@seia.org (202) 556-2886

Zadie Oleksiw, Vote Solar Communications Manager, zadie@votesolar.org (202) 836-5754

Matt Hargarten, CCSA Communications, matthew@rival-communications.com (414) 745-8408

Mark Sylvia, SEBANE President, msylvia@bluewavesolar.com (508) 858-7123

Sean Davenport, NECEC Communications Manager, sdavenport@necec.org (617) 600-7204