The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approved plans submitted by state’s electric distribution companies (EDCs) that outline a strategic roadmap for the clean energy transition in Massachusetts.
The Electric Sector Modernization Plans (ESMPs) were filed as a result of the 2022 Climate Law that calls for net zero emissions by 2050. The investments outlined in the ESMPs are expected to create over 5,200 clean energy jobs.
“The ESMPs are the backbone of our clean energy transition,” said Chair James Van Nostrand. “With the DPU’s approval as indicated in the order, the utilities, government, stakeholders, and the public can work to decarbonize while ensuring the transition is cost-effective, safe, and equitable.”
The DPU established the Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC) to engage with the utilities and stakeholders to make recommendations on necessary criteria needed to shape the final ESMPs.
“With this order, the Department approves the EDCs’ plans with modifications to make certain investments to enhance the electric system to enable the Commonwealth to achieve its decarbonization, climate and clean energy goals,” DPU Commissioner Cecile Fraser said.
The strategic plans seek to improve grid resiliency in anticipation of more frequent and extreme weather events and prepare the grid for rapid deployment of renewable energy sources. They also seek to support energy storage and emerging electrification technologies to reduce carbon emissions, including a focus on increasing electrification in transportation and buildings.
Each utility has developed their own five- and ten-year demand forecasts to determine necessary investments to improve grid resilience.
“Today’s decision is a meaningful leap forward in the effort to achieve a clean energy transition that centers equity,” Commissioner Staci Rubin said. “With directives for the utilities to convene stakeholder processes about equitable siting of electric infrastructure and long-term system planning, historically marginalized voices will be at the table collaborating with the utilities and clean energy developers.”
The DPU also approved each company’s strategic plan for making the infrastructure investments necessary to accommodate energy efficient projects, such as heat pumps and battery storage systems.
The framework outlined in the ESMPs would accelerate infrastructure investment, ultimately reducing the state’s reliance on fossil fuels as well as limiting the impact on ratepayers’ wallets. To protect ratepayers and ensure reliability, the DPU has mandated that each utility’s climate vulnerability assessments should be consistent with one other.
Further, the DPU will set up a streamlined process to quickly review specific infrastructure upgrade proposals that can be implemented in the near future. This will reduce interconnection costs and accelerate the deployment of solar and distributed generation resources.
By Oct. 1, the utilities will create a Long-Term System Planning Program (LTSPP) Working Group with stakeholders and start a six-month process to plan for future infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, the utilities are expected to submit status reports to the DPU that summarize meetings and discussions with stakeholders in the LTSPP Working Group. The first status report is due Feb. 3, 2025.
Massachusetts is among the first states in the country to roll out an initiative like this that encourages utilities to modernize the electric grid and increase the state’s ability to decarbonize safely, equitably, and efficiently.
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