Massachusetts’s Renewable Portfolio Standard was adopted in 2003. In 2008, the Green Communities Act (Senate Bill 2768) expanded the RPS and identified two different renewable energy standards – Class I RPS and Class II RPS.  Following 2009, the Renewable Portfolio Standard set its compliance obligation to increase by one percent annually and created two separate classes for new and existing renewable energy facilities. Each class has different annual compliance requirements and eligibility criteria. Renewable Portfolio Standard obligations are met through procuring a sufficient amount of RPS-qualified renewable energy certificates. 

The Renewable Portfolio Standard Class I compliance obligation increases by one percent annually with no currently established end date. This requirement is met by qualified new renewable energy facilities which include any qualified renewable energy facilities that began commercial operation after 1997. Eligible generation technologies include solar photovoltaic, solar thermal electric, wind energy, small hydropower, landfill methane and anaerobic digester gas, marine or hydrokinetic energy, geothermal energy, and eligible biomass fuel. 

The Renewable Portfolio Standard Class II pertains to facilities that use eligible renewable resources but have an operation date prior to January 1, 1998. Eligible facilities generate Class II RECs and the annual percentage requirement varies annually.

Markets for VA Systems: MA

Tracking Registry: NEPOOL-GIS

Energy Year: Jan – Dec

Production Tracking: PTS