Massachusetts Greenlights Over 175 MW of Solar Projects that Were on Hold for Nearly Two Years

BOSTON and Washington, D.C. — Today the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities issued an order expanding the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program from 1,600 to 3,200 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity, allowing dozens of solar projects to move forward. 

The order will take effect on January 14, 2022 when the Commonwealth’s utilities file their compliance documents. 

Following is a statement from David Gahl, senior director of state policy, East at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):

“Today’s order from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will soon allow more than 175 megawatts of solar projects to move forward, ending an 18-month purgatory for new commercial and utility-scale solar projects. 

“These solar projects are a key part of the Commonwealth’s plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions. Despite this positive outcome, serious questions remain about the DPU’s ability to issue timely orders. In this instance, we waited for a ruling on the “˜non-controversial’ or “˜fast track’ portion of the case for more than a year, putting half a billion dollars of private investment on hold at a time when the Massachusetts economy needs more support. 

“In the future, the DPU needs to move much faster if we want the Commonwealth to reach its decarbonization goals by mid-century.”

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About SEIA®: 

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 20% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org and follow @SEIA on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Media Contact: 

Jen Bristol, SEIA’s Director of Communications, jbristol@seia.org (202) 556-2886