Net Zero Grid

Commonwealth Hydropower Grant Program

Commonwealth Hydropower provides up to $300,000 in grants to increase energy output from Massachusetts RPS-qualified hydropower facilities through upgrades to existing plants or construction of new conduit facilities. Grant amounts are determined by incremental energy production potential as calculated through MassCEC's methodology, with funding available once annually in early spring. Commonwealth Hydropower Eligible applicants include commercial, industrial, institutional, non-profit, or public entities that can demonstrate long-term site control and water rights.

Request for Proposals: Grid Services Study

MassCEC's Grid Modernization and Infrastructure Planning initiative addresses the complex transition to a net zero grid through research collaborations, studies, and planning tools. The program includes the DER Dispatch Study to explore how distributed energy resources can provide grid services and reduce energy transition costs, plus the Net Zero Grid Planning Lab which uses innovative software tools to assess distribution system barriers and demonstrate novel planning protocols. Commonwealth Hydropower The initiative also hosts the Future Grid Event Series covering critical topics like data center energy use, distributed energy equity, and grid-edge flexibility.

Request for Proposals: Grants for Enhancing MA Grid Resilience and Reliability

The Massachusetts 40101(d) program distributes approximately $13.5 million in federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding to enhance electric grid resilience and prevent outages Commonwealth Hydropower, administered by MassCEC with preference for Environmental Justice communities. Eligible entities include electric grid operators, electricity storage operators, generators, transmission owners, distribution providers, and fuel suppliers Commonwealth Hydropower who can apply semiannually for projects that improve electrical infrastructure resilience against increased demand and severe weather events. The program is currently closed for applications but anticipates reopening periodically.