Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The Department of Energy Resources, in partnership with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, is requesting feedback on a straw proposal for the state’s application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All program.
The Solar for All program, created by the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, is intended to increase access to affordable, resilient, and clean solar energy for low-income households. Some $7 billion in funding will be awarded through up t0 60 grants for states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofits.
The Commonwealth intends to apply for up to $400 million in funding to be used to expand existing low-income solar programs or create new Solar for All programs across the state. The Massachusetts application seeks to cover a wide array of underserved residents while targeting small residential units, regulated affordable housing and multifamily housing, and community solar projects.
The DOER held a series of stakeholder sessions to help inform the application proposal and is now soliciting additional feedback to inform the final application, which will be submitted to EPA by Sept. 26.
In addition to general comments, the DOER is requesting responses to several key questions listed on pages 22 and 23 of the proposal. Questions include requests for input on how to strengthen the proposal to leverage funding from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund; how to prioritize funding across stakeholders and best practice for distribution; thoughts on support for solar development; and requests for letters of support. The DOER appreciates comments by Aug. 18, if possible, but will accept feedback through Aug. 25.
Input should be sent to Solar@masscec.com with “Straw Proposal Comments” in the subject line. When possible, comments should be provided as a Word document attachment.
Additional opportunities for stakeholder engagement and feedback following the application submission to inform program design and implementation are included in the application proposal.
Questions can be directed to Solar@MassCEC.com.