Senate Adopts Downing Amendment on Net-Metering

BOSTON – An amendment by state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing increasing the state's solar net-metering cap was adopted by the Senate on Thursday.

The measure, designed to promote future solar development, aligns the net metering cap with the state's 1,600 MW goal of installed solar capacity and further directs the Department of Energy Resources to create a new solar incentive program when the 1,600 MW goal is reached.

Net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to receive a credit for the unused electricity they feed back to the grid. The cap, which limits what utilities have to buy, was hit in March for National Grid, slowing and delaying a number of projects, including in Berkshire County.

Downing, who has served as the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy for three terms, identified action on solar policy as an early priority this session.  

"Massachusetts is a national leader in clean energy issues and tackling climate change," said the Pittsfield Democrat in a statement. "Continuing net metering is about building on that leadership. I'm glad my colleagues supported my amendment and look forward to working with our friends in the House of Representatives and the Baker administration to see this language signed into law."

The amendment was adopted during debate on S. 1973, An Act providing for the establishment of a comprehensive adaptation management plan in response to climate change. The amendment sets up a long-term framework for solar development, while allowing for continued development prior to the expiration of the Federal Solar Tax credit on Dec. 31, 2016.

Downing's amendment seeks to ensure the future growth of vitural metering and community shared solar, which allows equitable access to solar development for residents who may not otherwise be able participate. The amendment also grandfathers existing projects, ensuring that today's solar installations will not be negatively impacted by future changes developed by DOER post-1,600 MW.

S. 1973 was engrossed by the Senate today, and will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.
 

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.