Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard

July 20, 2023

Summary

In July 2008, Governor Patrick signed a major energy reform bill, the Green Communities Act (S.B. 2768). As part of that legislation, Massachusetts created the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (APS), which requires meeting 5% of the state's electric load with "alternative energy" by 2020 (as shown below). The requirement increases by 0.25% after 2020 per compliance year.

1.00% by 2009
1.50% by 2010
2.00% by 2011
2.50% by 2012
3.00% by 2013
3.50% by 2014
3.75% by 2015
4.00% by 2016
4.25% by 2017
4.50% by 2018
4.75% by 2019
5.00% by 2020

The “alternative energy generating sources” include combined heat and power (CHP) projects, flywheel energy storage, energy-efficient steam technology. and renewable technologies that generate useful thermal energy. These projects must be new (start date after January 1, 2008) and must receive a statement of qualification from the Department of Energy Resources to qualify.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Regulatory Policy
State:	Massachusetts
Incentive Type:	Other Policy
Web Site:	https://www.mass.gov/alternative-energy-portfolio-standard
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar Thermal Process Heat Biomass Geothermal Heat Pumps Municipal Solid Waste Combined Heat & Power Fuel Cells using Non-Renewable Fuels

Authorities

Name:	M.G.L. ch. 25A § 11F 1/2
Date Enacted:	07/2008
Effective Date:	01/2009

Name:	225 CMR 16.00
Date Enacted:	03/2009

Contact

Name:	Public Information Officer
Organization:	Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
Address:	100 Cambridge Street Boston MA 02110-1313
Phone:	(617) 626-7300
Email:	doer.energy@mass.gov

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.