The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is scheduled to discuss revisions proposed by electric distribution companies to net metering and Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target, or SMART, programs, according to a Feb. 25 order of notice.
- Unitil Corp, National Grid plc, and Eversource Energy have submitted revised model tariffs for net metering and the SMART program, clarifying the eligibility of facilities which are paired with energy storage systems to net meter.
- The department issued an order on Feb. 1 which sought to clarify this issue, specifically the ownership of capacity and energy rights of facilities under net metering or SMART programs participating in the ISO New England Inc.’s forward capacity market.
- The agency’s order also directed electric distribution companies to assume title to the capacity rights of Class II and III net-metered facilities and SMART facilities receiving alternative on-bill credits, and monetize their capacities under two options – retain 20 percent of the proceeds or credit 100 percent of the proceeds to ratepayers. The order provided a buyout option allowing for behind-the-meter solar and front-of-the-meter solar-paired storage facilities to make a one-time, up-front purchase of the capacity associated with their facilities.
- The regulator has scheduled a public hearing on March 13.