Massachusetts Dept. of Public Utilities to invest $220 million in grid upgrade

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approved Thursday a plan to invest $220 million to upgrade the state’s electric grid.

Specifically, the investments will be made over the next three years to upgrade distribution systems to improve the efficiency and reliability.

“Today’s order will both allow better integration of renewable energy and energy storage into the electric grid and improve the resiliency Massachusetts’ electric grid in the face of a changing climate,” Matthew Beaton, secretary of energy and environmental affairs, said. “Recognizing the role advanced meters play in increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs for ratepayers, the Order positions the Department of Public Utilities to engage with stakeholders to identify targeted advanced metering system investments that will maximize clean energy and ratepayer benefits.”

The investments in new technologies will automate processes so that mechanical equipment will provide improved visibility and automated command and control. It will also create a self-healing grid. These improvements will help reduce the impact of power outages from storms and allow electric distribution companies to increase the use of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and energy storage.

“The many significant storm-related power outages the Commonwealth experienced this year highlighted the importance of improving our electric grid to increase reliability and shorten power restoration times,” DPU Chair Angela O’Connor said. “By authorizing these innovative grid modernization investments, the DPU is working to ensure that Massachusetts ratepayers are provided with consistently reliable electricity for many years to come.”

The DPU will also look at making potential investments in advanced metering infrastructure, or “smart meters.”