Net Zero Grid
MassCEC / NetZeroGrid
MassCEC's Net Zero Grid initiatives are modernizing our electric system to ensure clean, reliable, and affordable energy for all, creating quality local jobs and strengthening communities across Massachusetts.
Current Opportunities
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InnovateMass | Concept Paper: January 12, 2026; Application Due: March 9, 2026
Powering a Resilient,
Clean Massachusetts
MassCEC envisions a modern, resilient electric system that delivers reliable, affordable, and clean energy to every community. Through strategic grant funding and forward-thinking initiatives, we champion innovative grid technologies and foster new partnerships that advance cutting-edge energy solutions, policies, and programs. Our work spans the state, laying the foundation for a sustainable energy future.
Power at the Grid Edge
The event report for the third and final event, "Power at the Grid Edge," of the 2025 Future Grid Event Series is now live! Power at the Grid Edge brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders to discuss the “grid edge” – where the electric grid meets our homes and businesses. Participants learned about the status of the grid edge in Massachusetts today, and shared visions for the future of the grid edge in the energy transition. We discussed:
- How utilities are planning for grid edge flexibility
- How emerging technologies will enable additional grid edge functionality
- How to support the evolving role of the customer equitably
Gridtech Launch Pad
The electric grid is evolving rapidly to support clean air, healthy communities, and a vibrant economy. The NZG team supports advanced technology for the grid, or “gridtech” - an important subsector of climatetech that can help the energy system meet these changing demands efficiently, affordably, and equitably.
Grid Collaboration Lab
The Grid Collaboration Lab offers grants and forums that unite diverse stakeholders to shape grid policy, regulation, and technology adoption. By engaging utilities, government, industry, advocates, and academics early, we create solutions tailored to Massachusetts—delivering smarter policies, lower costs, and stronger communities statewide.
- The Grid Services Study
- Transitioning to a Future Grid in MA Event Series
Energy Resilience
MassCEC is building a stronger, more resilient electric grid to protect communities from severe weather and outages by funding resilient infrastructure upgrades via the MA Grants for Enhancing Resilience and Reliability Program. MassCEC has also funded community resilience studies, like Community Microgrids and Clean Energy and Resilience (CLEAR).
Enhanced electric resilience keeps the lights on, keeps critical facilities running, and helps safeguard communities and their residents.
Network Geothermal
MassCEC is advancing the exploration of networked geothermal systems to help decarbonize how our largest buildings heat and cool. The BosTEN project is a collaborative project evaluating the technical potential of networked geothermal in the Boston area, with a focus on how this approach could help large buildings and institutions transition toward net zero. Kickstart Massachusetts was an initiative that provided communities with support to explore the potential of utility scale geothermal networks, laying the groundwork for development and operation of these clean systems.
Additional Energy and Grid Initiatives
MassCEC spearheads additional initiatives that support grid resiliency, reliability, affordability, and clean energy. These initiatives include:
Net Zero Blogs
Let’s be honest, energy bills are on everyone’s mind these days.
A cold winter or a spike in fuel prices can quickly escalate costs. For many households, that can…
Massachusetts has a long history of leading the way—from the nation’s first public park (Boston Common, 1634) and first free public school (Mather School in…
The current round of MassCEC’s InnovateMass grant program includes a “Gridtech Spotlight” opportunity -- a chance for start-ups and innovators to partner with a Massachusetts…