Vote Solar Supports Forward-Thinking Clean Energy Executive Order from Healey-Driscoll Administration

Healey-Driscoll Administration 

The Healey-Driscoll administration issued an executive order today establishing the 10x10x10 Plan – a commitment to deliver 10GW of new energy resources over 10 years and save Massachusetts customers $10 billion. The order calls for an additional 10 GW of new energy resources by 2035, including an explicit 4 GW solar target and incremental targets for sited solar, load management, and expanded energy storage. It directs the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to require utilities to plan for the growing number of interconnection requests ahead of the accelerating federal IRA tax credit phaseout, and require utilities with Capital Investment Projects to offer payment plans to solar developers – spreading interconnection costs over time to lower financial barriers to project development. The order aligns with current legislative proposals to develop flexible interconnection programs and support other initiatives that will accelerate distributed solar in Massachusetts. In addition, the order commits to modernizing the SMART program and net metering, and advances recommendations from the Solar Summit to cut through permitting delays that have long slowed deployment. It also instructs the DPU to expedite consideration of the Department of Energy Resources’ upcoming ratemaking proposal to unlock time-varying rates for Virtual Power Plants.

Vote Solar’s Regulatory Director of the Northeast, Lindsay Griffin, issued the following statement: 

“At a time of rising energy demand, clean energy solutions like solar offer one of the most affordable and accessible ways to meet that need. Communities in Massachusetts deserve an affordable, clean energy future, and we’re grateful the Healey-Driscoll administration is taking steps to help make that future a reality. 

“By pairing decisive action and strong legislative and regulatory policy, we can unlock solar development, reduce energy costs, and create a stronger, more reliable energy grid. As we continue working with partners across the administration and State House to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and build a more resilient, renewable Bay State, this Executive Order sets an ambitious course. We look forward to working with the Healey-Driscoll administration to help realize the future communities deserve.”