Massachusetts DPU creates DG working group

On June 23, 2012, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities issued an order to establish a Distributed Generation (DG) Working Group. This investigation is focused on reviewing the existing distributed generation interconnection standards and application procedures to determine what changes should be implemented to ensure an efficient and effective interconnection process. This action follows more than a year’s work from the DPU and stakeholders who are interested in improving the net metering and interconnection processes in the state.

The DPU periodically uses collaborative initiatives and working groups to reach a consensus among stakeholders that are affected by a particular issue. In fact, the DPU had originally tasked a DG Collaborative to establish uniform standards for the interconnection of distributed generation in the wake of the restructuring of the electric industry. Building on this solid foundation, the goal of the Working Group here is to determine what changes should be implemented to ensure an efficient and effective interconnection process that will foster continued growth of Distributed Generation in Massachusetts. The Department noted in the order that the Working Group should not endeavor to recreate or reconvene the DG Collaborative, but rather should focus on the issues that need to be addressed in order to up- date the existing distributed generation interconnection framework.

Source: MA DOER website

Laurel Passera

Laurel is a Senior Renewables Analyst for IREC attorneys Keyes, Fox & Wiedman, and engages in research and analysis of net metering and interconnection regulatory trends to support IREC’s outreach and communication efforts. In 2009, Laurel was a Southeast Regional Network fellow for the Southeast Environmental Leadership Program and currently sits on Raleigh City Council’s Environmental Advisory Board.