The Western Massachusetts Electric Company has filed with the Department of Public Utilities a plan to implement an integrated, large-scale solar energy program in its service area that can begin to generate power from photovoltaic facilities as early as 2010.
Under the Green Communities Act, new legislation passed in 2008, electric distribution companies like the Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO) are authorized to play a role in meeting the state’s solar energy goal of developing 250MW of installed solar by 2017. Under the Green Communities Act, WMECO is allowed to own up to 50MW of solar facilities.
Peter Clarke, president and COO of WMECO, said: “WMECO is committed to helping the Commonwealth meet its policy goals for the development of solar energy, which will help the state reduce its carbon emissions and diversify its energy sources away from fossil fuels.”
“The knowledge gained from the program also can be applied to other distributed renewable technologies, including wind and biomass, which are equally important to the state’s goals for energy independence and energy security.”
Western Massachusetts Electric Company is a distributor of electricity in western Massachusetts, serving more than 200,000 customers, claims the company. The company also enagged in maintaining electrical system to meet the needs of the customer.
