Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard

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.