SEIA Urges Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to Implement SMART Program

BOSTON, M.A. and WASHINGTON D.C. - Last week, State Representative Jeffrey Roy sent a letter to Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Commissioner Nelson urging him to quickly implement the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program. Swift action is needed for Massachusetts' to make progress toward its ambitious 2030 clean energy goals.

However, it has been over eighteen months since the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) finalized regulations to expand the program, and the inaction of the Department of Public Utilities on multiple non-controversial issues has failed to implement the program, wasting time needed to reach the goals.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) joins Representative Roy in urging the Commissioner and the Department of Public Utilities to immediately implement the incentive program and rapidly increase solar installations in the state.

"Massachusetts policymakers have already decided to expand the program and provided the regulations to do so," said David Gahl, senior director of policy East for SEIA. "More than 100 megawatts of solar capacity have yet to be added to the grid due to the inaction and feet-dragging of the Department of Public Utilities. Delays on the implementation of the SMART program inhibit progress toward Massachusetts' 2030 carbon emissions reduction goals."

While Massachusetts is projected to add over 1.8 gigawatts of solar energy over the next five years, delaying the SMART Program incentives could slow solar installations and jeopardize progress on the state's climate goals, as 2030 quickly approaches.

"To the Department of Public Utilities: It is past time to act on these issues. There's now over 100 megawatt backlog of proposed projects that are just waiting for the SMART Program and every moment we waste just delays our clean energy future. We echo Representative Roy's call to immediately implement this program and end this unnecessary delay," Mr. Gahl said.

Learn more about the Massachusetts solar market.

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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, [email protected] (202) 556-2886