Legislation Synopsis

The Renewable Energy Trust was created by the Massachusetts Legislature with the intent that a modest investment today in renewable energy technologies and industries will provide a healthy return in future economic, environmental and other public benefits for the Commonwealth. The Trust was established as part of a new law, the Electric Utility Industry Restructuring Act, which took effect March 1, 1998. The money for the Trust comes from a systems benefit charge paid by ratepayers of investor-owned utilities in Massachusetts. The average residential ratepayer pays approximately 50 cents a month, or $6 a year.

The key sections of legislation related to the establishment of the Renewable Energy Trust are:

Chapter 25, Section 20 of the General Laws
(copy of statute)

Chapter 40J, Section 4E of the General Laws
(copy of statute)