arXiv · 2609.36468
Massachusetts' 2026 Clean Peak Standard Recalibration: Adaptation and Storage Tradeoffs
Abstract
Massachusetts recalibrated its Clean Peak Standard (CPS) in 2026 by lowering the minimum standards and expanding the Near-Term Resource Multiplier for qualifying storage. This paper evaluates the change using a three-zone, hourly capacity expansion model for 2026--2030. Both scenarios achieve full CPS compliance, but the post-May scenario reduces new battery additions by 53.1% and modeled system cost by 3.7%. CPS-eligible discharge declines by 30.4%, while Clean Peak Energy Certificate production declines by only 9.5%. Fossil generation during CPS hours increases by 11.7%, whereas modeled emissions remain nearly unchanged because the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative cap binds. The recalibration therefore lowers the modeled storage capacity requirement while weakening physical clean-peak performance.
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Yuhan Dai, Boyu Yao. 2026-09-29. Massachusetts' 2026 Clean Peak Standard Recalibration: Adaptation and Storage Tradeoffs. https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.36468
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