Bill > S2264

This bill aims to enhance consumer protections for residential solar energy customers by amending Chapter 25A of the General Laws. The legislation grants the department (likely the Department of Public Utilities) expanded authority to regulate solar energy products sold to residential customers. Specifically, the bill defines "solar energy product" broadly to include photovoltaic equipment lease agreements, power purchase agreements, and direct equipment purchases. The department is tasked with creating standard disclosure requirements, mandating paper contract signing, collecting compliance information, and establishing a licensing system for solar energy product companies. The bill empowers the department to level fines against non-compliant companies, provide support for customers experiencing financial hardship, regulate third-party sales practices, set maximum pricing and escalation rates for power purchase agreements, and ensure that solar agreements do not oversupply power to residential customers. The goal is to promote solar energy adoption while protecting consumers from potentially exploitative contracts, all without interfering with the Attorney General's existing consumer protection powers under Chapter 93A.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2264