As of 2008, there are approximately 27 megawatts of renewable energy installed in the MAPC region with about 33 megawatts in development.  Continued growth of renewable power in the region can be fostered through regulatory reform and technical assistance to allow more uniform and streamlined permitting processes for renewable energy installations.  Regional planning agencies, state agencies and business representatives should coordinate to develop outreach and education programs to promote siting of renewable energy installations.

In the past, smaller scale generators of renewable power were limited by net metering rules that severely limited the amount of power they could sell back into the electric grid, at 60 kilowatts. The recently passed Green Communities Act increased the amount of power allowed to be sold back into the grid up to 2 megawatts.  This change will allow the owners of land with good wind resources but no facility nearby to provide power to an opportunity to develop independent, small scale energy installations that could sell their power directly to utilities. 

9.a    Municipalities should adopt renewable energy siting bylaws and streamlined permitting processes

9.b    MAPC should work with the Division of Green Communities to assist cities and towns in drafting and implementing new siting bylaws and streamlined permitting changes

9.c    The Department of Energy Resources, together with Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, should expand Commonwealth Solar

9.d    The Ocean Management Advisory Commission should encourage offshore wind energy facilities while ensuring appropriate siting of such facilities

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