DPU Launches New Grant Program to Help Communities Participate in Energy Infrastructure Decisions

DPU Launches New Grant Program to Help Communities Participate in Energy Infrastructure Decisions 

 

The new Program will fund participation in DPU and EFSB regulatory proceedings 
 

 

BOSTON — Today, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has taken a major stride in promoting transparency and enhancing public engagement by establishing the Intervenor Support Grant Program (Program). The new Program provides financial assistance to eligible community groups, municipalities, and other qualifying entities so that they can effectively participate in future DPU and Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) proceedings. By reducing financial barriers to participation, the Program will increase the diversity of voices and viewpoints able to engage in certain proceedings. The Intervenor Support Grant Program is part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s comprehensive reforms to the siting and permitting of new energy infrastructure. 

 

“This is an important milestone for environmental justice and community engagement in Massachusetts,” said Commissioner Staci Rubin. “As a member of the Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting, I am proud that the state can support organizations and municipalities who previously were unable to fully participate in the process of siting new energy infrastructure. We welcome the opportunity for communities to participate directly in finding energy solutions that benefit us all.” 

 

“The Intervenor Support Grant Program helps level the playing field by giving eligible groups and municipalities the resources they need to participate in proceedings that directly affect them,” said Chair Jeremy McDiarmid. “We are reducing financial barriers and in turn strengthening public participation. This work reflects the needs and experiences of the state’s ratepayers.” 

 

“We’re doing more to bring voices to the table and make sure they’re being heard at every step of the decision-making process,” said Commissioner Liz Anderson. “The Program is another step towards more equitable proceedings and siting practices that will streamline the state’s energy goals with community-forward outcomes.”   

 

Both the DPU and the EFSB review petitions and make decisions based on evidence presented by different parties involved, such as the project developer, host community, or other groups that are directly impacted and have been granted intervenor status. These parties present evidence, conduct cross-examinations, make information requests, and hire expert witnesses. Even if eligible to join the proceeding as intervenors, many under-resourced organizations and municipalities struggle to fund the legal representation and technical expertise required to participate meaningfully in these proceedings. Now with grant funding available, eligible groups can contribute local knowledge, lived experience, and perspectives that may otherwise go unheard, resulting in a stronger record, a more informed process, and better outcomes.  

 

The Intervenor Support Grant Program allows grantees to cover fees for attorneys, expert witnesses, community experts, and other eligible expenses. Grantees may be eligible to receive up to $150,000 per proceeding. Funding is capped at a total of $500,000 across grantees in a proceeding. 

 

The DPU’s Division of Public Participation (DPP) will administer funds from the Program. DPP was established by the 2024 Climate Act, and its mission is to inform, educate, and amplify public voices in DPU and EFSB decision making processes. DPP assists stakeholders participating in DPU and EFSB proceedings and implements policies and practices that advance environmental justice and meaningful public participation.  

 

More information about eligibility and how to apply can be found through the Intervenor Support Grant Program page and the Grant portal.