Bill > H1725

This bill aims to modernize local energy infrastructure and investment in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring the Department of Public Utilities to establish a process for electric distribution companies to create and file Grid Modernization Plans every 5 years, including evaluating the potential benefits of distributed energy resources, providing interconnection information, and identifying ways to better integrate local energy resources. 2. Creating a Grid Modernization Consumer Board to oversee and provide input on the Grid Modernization Plans, with representatives from various stakeholder groups. 3. Requiring a "Determination of Wires" process for new major transmission and distribution infrastructure projects, where the Board must consider whether local energy resource alternatives could meet or defer the need more cost-effectively. 4. Limiting the residential fixed charges that distribution companies can charge to only cover the direct costs of customer connection, billing, and service. 5. Requiring distribution companies to offer time-of-use rate options to default service customers, with bill protection for the first year. The overall goal is to better integrate and utilize local energy resources, such as distributed renewables and energy efficiency, to modernize the grid and provide benefits to ratepayers.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H1725