Bill > H2864

This bill authorizes the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce to conduct a pilot program for net metering, a system where electricity generated by a facility, like solar panels, is credited against the electricity consumed from the grid. This program is specifically designed for manufacturers and will operate under the jurisdiction of the department of public utilities, adhering to existing caps and restrictions similar to those applied to municipalities for net metering and solar renewable generation programs, and will last for a maximum of 25 years. The Chamber of Commerce must submit an interim report after 48 months to assess the program's effectiveness in expanding net metering to manufacturers, its impact on electricity costs, and to recommend whether the pilot should be expanded. If the department of public utilities recommends expansion after reviewing the report, it will then draft legislation to further reduce electricity costs for manufacturers, ensuring it aligns with all current laws and regulations and stays within the parameters of this Act. The department will immediately apply its existing Class III Net Metering Facility rules to facilitate this pilot, but retains the authority to create new rules for other net metering initiatives. This law will expire on December 31, 2038.