Clean Energy Choice Program Ended on June 30, 2009

The Renewable Energy Trust is discontinuing the Clean Energy Choice match program. As a result of the implementation of the Green Communities Act, passed by the Massachusetts legislature in 2008, the Green Communities Division at the Department of Energy Resources is now the centerpiece of the state’s investment in green energy in communities (www.mass.gov/energy/greencommunities). 

No additional grants will be awarded to match customer premium payments for usage recorded by meter readings after June 30, 2009.  However, a town will have until November 30, 2009, to access the balance of all Clean Energy Choice funds that it has accrued through the June 30, 2009 program end date. The Trust has posted total municipal account balances here.  Municipalities will be able to utilize their remaining funds for local clean energy initiatives by submitting a Final Matching Grant Application after August 1, 2009 and before November 30, 2009.  The Trust will mail hard copies of the Final Matching Grant Application to the Mayor or Select board of each community in August 2009.

Please note that customers’ green power payments for the following Clean Energy Choice-certified offerings will no longer be tax deductible contributions to the Trust after August 31, 2009:  Cape Light Compact Green, Mass Energy New England GreenStart and Sterling MA Choice. Customers’ green power billings for New England Wind Fund will no longer be tax deductible contributions to the Trust after June 30, 2009. In addition, these suppliers will no longer be required to meet the Clean Energy Choice program consumer protection standards. We will provide customers of these suppliers with a letter on or before January 31, 2010 reporting the amount of your premium payments in 2009 that are eligible for recognition as tax deductible contributions to the Trust. 

We greatly appreciate the participation of over 10,000 Massachusetts residents in supporting renewable energy in Massachusetts through Clean Energy Choice. We understand that those suppliers that were certified by Clean Energy Choice will continue to offer renewable energy options, but you should be aware that you have the option to discontinue your enrollment at any time without penalty by notifying your supplier. If you are purchasing through National Grid’s GreenUp program, you also have the option of contacting National Grid. For more information about clean energy supply options under these programs, please click here.