Cadmus Launches the First Net Metering Eligibility Service for Massachusetts
Waltham, Mass., April 9, 2013—The Cadmus Group, Inc., (Cadmus), announced today that, working with team members Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) and Noble & Wickersham, it recently launched the nation’s first system to ensure that businesses, communities, and other entities developing clean energy facilities in Massachusetts will be eligible to receive net metering services when their projects are complete.
Since the enactment of the Green Communities Act in 2008, incentives have created significant growth in the installed capacity of distributed generation in Massachusetts. Due to this rapid growth, market participants advocated for greater clarity regarding the availability of a limited incentive like net metering, which has an overall capacity cap. Previously, a distributed generation facility’s eligibility for net metering services was not certain until it energized. State legislation passed in 2010 required the DPU to adopt a system that provides an assurance of net metering eligibility to allow for more efficient planning and development of clean energy resources within Massachusetts. With stakeholder input, DPU developed a set of rules establishing the System of Assurance of Net Metering Eligibility. Per a DPU Order in 2012, Cadmus, along with VHB and Noble & Wickersham, was selected to be the Administrator of the System of Assurance as the result of a competitive bidding process.
The Cadmus team worked on a tight, two-month schedule to interpret the Order and create a web-based application, (www.MassACA.org), which allows host customers of proposed net metering facilities to file an Application for Cap Allocation (ACA). A complete ACA grants the host customer a limited-time guarantee of eligibility for net metering services. It also allows project developers to gain access to the web-based application and assist their host customer clients. Staff from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) provided guidance for the successful launch.
Through the first two weeks, the System of Assurance received applications representing 94 Megawatts of net metering cap allocations. Pleased with the successful and rapid design, development and launch of the system, DPU commissioners recognized the Cadmus team at a special debriefing. Particularly noteworthy of the project, prior to launch, several commenters said the System of Assurance would be impossible to implement.
About The Cadmus Group, Inc.
Cadmus is an employee-owned consultancy committed to helping our clients address complex challenges by applying diverse skills and experiences in a highly collaborative environment. By assisting our clients in achieving their goals, we create social and economic value today and for future generations. Founded in 1983, we leverage exceptional expertise across a staff of more than 400 professionals in the physical and life sciences, engineering, social sciences, strategic communication, architecture and design, law, policy analysis, and the liberal arts who provide an array of research and analytical services in the United States and abroad. See more at cadmusgroup.com.
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