Activists Launch Tour of Massachusetts To Push For More Solar Power
BOSTON (AP) — Environmental activists are launching a tour of Massachusetts to press Beacon Hill lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Baker to lift limits on a key program designed to encourage solar power use in the state.
The group Environment Massachusetts said the 10-community tour is meant to call attention to "net-metering" which allows homeowners, businesses and local governments to sell excess solar power they generate back to the grid in exchange for credit on their bill.
Advocates say 171 communities across the state have already reached the cap, stalling the development of solar projects.
The state's utilities don't support raising the net metering caps. Baker is also skeptical.
The tour begins Monday with stops in Pittsfield and Northampton. Activists also plan to visit Springfield, Lowell, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Fall River, Barnstable, Worcester and Boston.
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