Standby rates penalize on-site generators by imposing utility distribution charges on electricity that the customer generates on-site as well as on electricity that the utility delivers to the customer over the grid.
SEBANE opposed NSTAR Electric's effort to impose standby charges in a proceeding before the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy ("MA DTE"). SEBANE filed testimony describing the benefits of PV and other forms of renewables and describing the harm that is done by standby rates.
SEBANE was able to negotiate a settlement agreement with NSTAR and other parties, including the Conservation Law Foundation and the Division of Energy Resources, that exempts renewables from NSTAR's standby rates.
PV testimony
Wind testimony
Settlement agreement
SEBANE comments in support of settlement agreement
MA DTE order approving settlement agreement
