Bill > S1635

This bill allows the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance, in collaboration with state agencies, to develop and issue requests for proposals for power-purchase agreements (PPAs) or net metering agreements that involve the use of state-owned property. PPAs are contracts where a power generator sells electricity to a buyer at a fixed price, and net metering allows customers who generate their own electricity to receive credit for excess power sent back to the grid. While state agencies can also develop these proposals, they require written approval from the commissioner. The bill clarifies that contracts will be awarded based on "best value" for the commonwealth, considering factors like price, energy output, and the quality of the proposing entity and its subcontractors. Importantly, the commissioner can lease state land for up to 20 years, including extensions, for these agreements, and can grant necessary rights-of-way or easements for access and utilities, which will expire when the lease ends.