In Massachusetts, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs provides for the cost-effective energy efficiency, development of greener energy resources, creation and implementation of energy strategies to encourage reliable supplies and improve relative cost, clean tech companies, and spurring clean energy employment.  The DOER also provides information about the different kinds of renewable energy such as wind and solar power, funding programs and incentives, and installation assistance.  Further, the DOER promotes adoption of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and development of the infrastructure necessary to make AFVs viable for transportation.

Further, the Energy Facilities Siting Board under the DOER is charged with the supply of energy at the lowest possible cost with minimum impact on the environment.  The board’s fundamental function is to license the construction of major energy infrastructure in Massachusetts, including large power plants, electric transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, and natural gas storage facilities.

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs oversees the investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water industries in Massachusetts.  The DPU also performs the following functions:

• develops alternatives to traditional regulation;
• monitors service quality; and
• regulates safety in the transportation and gas pipeline areas.

In addition, the Department of Public Utilities Electric Power Division administers the retail competitive market in a fair and efficient manner to bring benefit to consumers of electricity.  The division also ensures that the electric services are provided to consumers in a safe and reliable manner.  Likewise, the Department of Public Utilities’ Gas Division (Gas Division) ensures that gas companies provide their customers with the most reliable energy resources at the lowest possible cost.  The Gas Division is responsible for the regulation of the ten investor-owned and four municipal natural gas utilities in Massachusetts.  Further, the Pipeline Engineering and Safety Division ensures that the operators of natural gas distribution companies, municipal gas departments, and other intrastate operators comply with state and federal regulations governing pipeline safety.

Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs