Intervenor Support Grant Program

The Intervenor Support Grant Program was established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the 2024 Climate Act (St. 2024, c. 239) with the goal of promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers. Administered by the newly created Division of Public Participation (DPP) within the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), the program is designed to remove barriers to participation in DPU and Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) proceedings. Specifically, it provides financial support to eligible organizations, governmental bodies, community groups, and tribal entities that face financial, technical, or capacity limitations which would otherwise prevent them from effectively engaging in regulatory processes that impact energy and environmental justice outcomes. This program serves as a critical vehicle for inclusive energy decision-making in Massachusetts, enabling underrepresented stakeholders—such as small municipalities, low- and moderate-income communities, and historically marginalized populations—to voice their concerns and participate meaningfully in proceedings. Qualified applicants include governmental bodies, regional planning agencies, state-recognized and federally-recognized tribes, community organizations, and unincorporated associations of three or more individuals. The funding supports a wide range of costs such as legal and expert witness fees, community engagement expenses, administrative overhead, and other related participation costs. Up to 20% of the grant may be awarded in advance for applicants demonstrating significant financial hardship. Under the framework outlined in regulation 220 CMR 34.00, applicants may request funding once a relevant DPU petition is filed or a pre-filing notice is submitted to the Board. The application must be submitted before the intervention petition deadline listed in the proceeding’s official notice. The DPP reviews applications for completeness within ten business days and issues award decisions within 30 calendar days after the application deadline. Conditional awards may be made, but disbursements are contingent on formal intervenor status being granted in the proceeding. Grant requests may total up to $150,000 per applicant and $500,000 per proceeding. However, the Director retains discretion to authorize additional funds based on factors like proceeding complexity, new issues arising, or expanded evidentiary phases. Program funds may not be used for lobbying, equipment purchases, publicity campaigns, or legal challenges to final DPU/EFSB decisions. Reporting is required within 30 days of proceeding completion, detailing use of funds, contributions made, and confirmation that the grant did not cause undue delay. Any unused or ineligible funds must be returned within 30 days of final appeal deadlines. The program encourages the use of fiscal sponsors for unincorporated associations and emphasizes administrative transparency and accountability. While grant materials will not be publicly posted, they remain subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law. The regulations were finalized and adopted on February 27, 2026, and the program will begin accepting applications for eligible proceedings initiated on or after July 1, 2026. Proceedings initiated before that date are not eligible for funding. Additional guidance and templates will be published on the Department’s website as implementation progresses. For inquiries, the DPU provides contact through the email address [email protected].

Include detailed financial and organizational capacity info; submit intervention petition in parallel with grant application; ensure cost categories align with allowable uses.