On August 7, 2025, the DOER filed this letter with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities providing an update on the plans to submit a draft 83C Round V Request for Proposals.

As stated in the Joint Petitioners’ Reply Comments, filed on July 13, 2025, in D.P.U. 25-59, the RFP Drafting Parties have issued draft guidance and stakeholder questions regarding participation of distribution-connected energy storage systems in the Round 2 procurement and subsequent Section 83E solicitations. In issuing this announcement, the Joint Petitioners are seeking stakeholder feedback on the draft guidance, including on the eligibility criteria and project sizes in order to inform the Round 2 RFP. Responses to stakeholder questions will help inform the RFP Drafting Team about including distribution-connected projects in future Section 83E solicitations. 

Please see the 83E II Request for Public Comment page for more details.

 

The Massachusetts Electric Distribution companies, in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, are issuing an RFP for Long-term Contracts for Energy Storage Systems and associated Environmental Attributes pursuant to Section 83E of Chapter 169 of the Acts of 2008 (“Section 83E”), as amended by chapter 188 of the acts of 2016, and as further amended by section 98 of chapter 239 of the Acts of 2024. The Distribution Companies are seeking to procure approximately 1,500 MW of Mid Duration Energy Storage Systems. This is the first solicitation pursuant to Section 83E and it is part of a staggered procurement schedule developed by DOER, in coordination with the Distribution Companies, in accordance with the authority granted to DOER.

Visit the 83E Documents and 83E Timeline for more information. This timeline has been approved by the MA DPU.

Additionally, please be on the lookout for an announcement regarding the participation of distribution-connected energy storage systems in 83E Round II and a Request for Public Comment.

The 83E Round 1 RFP is still pending approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. However, given the relatively quick timeframe prior to the September 10^th, 2025 bid submittal due date, the RFP Drafting Parties have elected to issue a clarification in the RFP. The clarification can be found here.

The 83C Round 4 Evaluation Team is notifying stakeholders that the Electric Distribution Companies have filed a letter with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities regarding a change in the anticipated contract execution date. Due to ongoing uncertainty caused by federal level activities, the contracting parties have not yet completed their contract negotiations and are now targeting the completion of negotiations and execution of contracts with the two counterparties on or before December 31, 2025. Accordingly, the Evaluation Team is now targeting the filing of contracts with the Department on or before February 25, 2026.