Northeast Energy Efficiency Policy In Your State
Energy Efficiency Policy in Massachusetts
Promoting Energy Efficiency in Massachusetts
NEEP Comments - Massachusetts DPU 11-20 on Net Savings & Efficiency Guidelines (1/31/12)
NEEP Comments - Massachusetts 2013-2015 Energy Efficiency Plans (1/10/12)
NEEP Comments — Massachusetts Green Communities Act Legislative Oversight Hearing (11/9/11)
More about Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has long been a leader in developing and implementing some of the most progressive energy efficiency policies and programs in the nation. The Green Communities Act of 2008 requires that "electric and natural gas resource needs shall first be met through all available energy efficiency and demand reduction resources that are cost effective or less expensive than supply." Investor-owned utilities have filed joint, three-year electric and natural gas energy efficiency programs, currently operating from 2010 to 2012.
The Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC) was established under the Green Communities Act and plays a key role in designing and approving the Commonwealth's utility and municipal energy efficiency programs. Members are comprised of various stakeholders groups and experts including advocates for low-income residents, organized labor, business and manufacturing, the environment, independent experts and various state agencies. Utility companies have a non-voting role in the EEAC.
Electric efficiency programs run by investor-owned utilities are funded through a Systems Benefit Charge (SBC) 2.5 mills/kWh and an energy efficiency reconciliation factor (EERF). Gas programs are funded by a separate energy efficiency charge.
Massachusetts has also implemented building energy codes that significant increase energy efficiency in buildings statewide. The state building code requires new construction to comply with IECC 2009 starting in 2010. The state has adopted an appendix to the code, also known as a "stretch code," that will allow towns and cities to adopt a code with higher energy efficiency requirements, building energy performance ratings, and independent, third-party testing. Thus far, 95 communites have adopted the stretch energy code.
State Offices
Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU)
Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources (DOER)
Program Administrators
MassSave
Cape Light Compact
NSTAR
Unitil
Western Massachusetts Electric Company
National Grid
Bay State Gas
Berkshire Gas
Key Policies
Green Communities Act of 2008
Building Energy Code
For more information including policy updates, news and other resources, please visit our Tracking and Reporting Section.