The Renewable Energy Trust: Governance and Procedures for Municipal Lighting Plant Communities to Join

Building a cleaner energy future and creating new jobs at clean energy companies is a top priority for the Patrick Administration.  As part of the Green Communities Act of 2008, the Governor appointed a new 11-member Governing Board to oversee the implementation of the Renewable Energy Trust.  The Governing Board unanimously adopted a new five-year strategic plan, which focuses on speeding the adoption and installation of renewable energy technologies throughout the Commonwealth.  The Green Communities Act also establishes a mechanism for municipal lighting plant communities to participate in the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust Fund.  It also clarifies eligibility requirements for funding projects in municipal lighting plant communities that choose not to pay into the Trust Fund.   

The Renewable Energy Trust was created in 1998 as part of the landmark Electric Restructuring Law to promote renewable energy in Massachusetts.  The Trust was established to generate the maximum economic and environmental benefits from renewable energy to the ratepayers of the Commonwealth.

Frequently Asked Questions for Municipal Lighting Plant Communities
This document provides answers to questions that municipal lighting plants may have when considering whether to participate in the Trust.

Renewable Energy Trust Membership Agreement 
This document formalizes the terms for municipal lighting plant (MLP) participation in the Renewable Energy Trust.  There are two versions of the agreement.  The “MLP Authority” version is for MLPs which have full authority to enter into the agreement without the need for further specific authorization by the host municipality.  The “Municipal Authority” version is for situations in which only the executive arm of the municipality has specific authority to authorize the MLP to enter into the agreement.  In either case, the MLP and/or municipality must submit Authority Documentation as described in Section 1 of the agreement.

• MLP authority RET Membership Agreement
• Municipal authority RET Membership Agreement

The table below lists those MLPs that have submitted signed RET Membership Agreements to MTC. The start date for eligibility for Trust programs depends upon the date the MLP begins to collect and remit the Trust charge.  All MLP customers are strongly encouraged to consult with their MLP and obtain written confirmation that the MLP is collecting and remitting the Trust charge before entering into any agreement for installation of a renewable energy system for which they expect to receive a rebate from the Trust. 

For more information, contact: Nils Bolgen, bolgen@masstech.org; 508-870-0312 x1-402.