June 2, 2011
Massachusetts

National Grid deals blow to renewable energy on Nantucket

By Jason Graziadei, I&M Senior Writer, The Inquirer and Mirror, www.ack.net 2 June 2011

Nantucket’s big bet on wind and solar energy initiatives was dealt a blow by National Grid and the state Department of Public Utilities which have imposed a strict limit on the eligibility of the island’s renewable energy projects for the utility company’s net metering program.

Under rules released earlier this year, Nantucket’s total renewable energy capacity eligible for National Grid’s net metering program will be limited to 780 kilowatts. All other Massachusetts cities and towns served by National Grid are capped at 10,000 kilowatts, putting Nantucket at a significant disadvantage for developing renewable energy projects.

“This came as a big surprise to us,” selectman Whitey Willauer said.