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SD 77

An Act relative to electricity reliability and capacity

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Tarr

Requires regular state-led assessments of electricity infrastructure every 3 years with a follow-up action plan to ensure reliable, cost-effective capacity and integrate storage/re

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Bill Summary · SD 77

Summary: An Act relative to electricity reliability and capacity (Senate Docket No. 77)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill would require regular, state-led assessments of the electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure and the creation of action plans to ensure reliable, cost-effective electricity supply with sufficient capacity, while expanding stakeholder engagement and oversight. The assessment framework is anchored to demand projections from the state’s energy plan (Executive Order 569).

What the bill would do

  • Establish repeatable infrastructure assessments every three years (initial assessment due within 1 year of enactment; thereafter every three years).
  • Base assessments on demand estimates from the energy plan required by Executive Order 569.

  • Evaluate:

    • Current and projected capacity of the electricity infrastructure
    • Reliability of delivery, including during severe weather and peak demand
    • Ability to integrate renewable energy sources, distributed generation, and storage
    • Current and foreseeable vulnerabilities

  • Require a follow-up plan within nine months after each assessment to ensure reliable, cost-effective, and sufficiently capable infrastructure.

  • The plan must specify actions, which may include:

    • Rules for utility submission and approval of infrastructure upgrade plans (annual or periodic)
    • Studies/plans for interconnection to energy sources, including storage, with defined timelines
    • Recommendations for state investment or financing mechanisms
    • Updated or new standards for electric service providers
    • Any other relevant actions or requirements

  • Public engagement and transparency:

    • At least three public hearings in geographically diverse parts of the state
    • Consultation with: utilities, environmental groups, consumer advocates, organized labor, electricity suppliers, and, to the extent possible, ISO-NE (Independent System Operator for New England)

  • Filing and public notice:

    • The plan must be filed with the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy and the clerks of the House and Senate at least 90 days before any action in the plan is initiated
    • The plan (and related materials) must be posted electronically for public inspection

Who/what is affected

  • State agencies:

    • Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs
    • Department of Public Utilities (DPU)
    • Department of Telecommunications and Energy
    • Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

  • Utilities and service providers in Massachusetts

  • Stakeholders: environmental organizations, consumer advocacy groups, organized labor, electricity suppliers, and ISO-NE (to the extent possible)

  • The plan could influence infrastructure investment, upgrade timelines, interconnection processes, and financial mechanisms

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Initial assessment deadline: within 1 year after enactment
  • Subsequent assessments: every 3 years
  • Plan development deadline: within 9 months after each assessment
  • Public hearings: at least 3 in diverse regions
  • Plan filing/notice: at least 90 days before any action; filed with Joint Committee and House/Senate clerks; posted publicly

Potential impact

  • Enhanced planning and accountability for electricity reliability and capacity
  • Increased regulatory oversight and public participation in infrastructure decisions
  • Possible acceleration or modification of upgrade and interconnection processes
  • Consideration of new financing or investment tools to support capital projects
  • Emphasis on integrating storage and renewable resources while managing consumer costs

Note: The bill (as described) is a proposed measure and represents an organizational framework for ongoing infrastructure assessment and planning rather than a specific funding appropriation or project authorization. Status and effective dates may vary as the bill progresses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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