Bill > S2320

This bill requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Massachusetts' electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure every three years, with the first assessment due within one year of the bill's passage. The assessment must evaluate the current infrastructure's capacity to meet electricity demand, its reliability during adverse weather and peak usage periods, its ability to integrate renewable energy sources and distributed generation, and identify potential vulnerabilities. Following each assessment, the secretary must develop a detailed plan within nine months to ensure the infrastructure can reliably and cost-effectively meet the state's electricity needs. The plan must include potential policy, regulatory, and statutory actions to improve infrastructure, such as requiring utilities to submit annual upgrade plans, establishing interconnection standards for energy sources, recommending state investments, and modifying electric service provider requirements. The planning process must involve at least three public hearings in different regions of the state and consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including utilities, environmental and consumer advocacy organizations, labor groups, and electricity suppliers. The final plan must be filed with legislative committees at least 90 days before implementation and be made publicly accessible electronically.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2320