On July 2, Governor Patrick of Massachusetts signed the Green Communities Act (S.B. 2768) into law, officially setting in motion a number of state-wide energy reforms. Energy efficiency is the focus of the new law, which mandates that energy demand be met through investment in demand response measures rather than increases in supply capacity. The law enhances the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and creates an Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) for a different set of energy producing technologies. The Green Communities program, which the law establishes, will provide funding to qualifying municipalities for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Furthermore, the law finalizes the state’s intention to auction close to 100 percent of its Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative allowances and directs the majority of the proceeds to fund energy efficiency programs.

Click here for a summary of the bill.

The full bill can be found by clicking here.