The Chapter is a founding member of the Massachusetts Alliance for Fair Contracting. The Alliance opposes the practice of cross-subsidization, whereby utility companies, or the holding companies that own them, use resources obtained through regulated utility rates to enable their contracting subsidiaries to gain competitive advantage in the marketplace over electrical contractors.

The Chapter also maintains that all firms engaged in the business of electrical contracting should operate under uniform industry standards that insure fair and open competition. Electrical utilities and contractors alike have a responsibility to their customers and the public-at-large to maintain a high level of quality, ensure effective electrical safety, and provide a high degree of electrical system reliability in the installations they provide. NECA believes that uniform standards like the National Electrical Code and the National Electrical Installation Standards should be adopted for their appropriate applications by all firms engaged in electrical contracting. NECA will oppose efforts to lower the standards that protect the public and that demand a high level of quality and reliability.

NECA recognizes the legitimate right of businesses to compete in the electrical contracting market through legal and ethical practices, but will not hesitate to use its resources to oppose those practices it sees as illegal or unethical.

For the users of photovoltaic systems, business and residential customers alike, it is critical that those who perform PV installations have the proper training, experience and oversight by w ire inspectors that examine the electrical installations. It is, quite simply, a matter of protecting public safety as well as having assurance for the end-user that an appropriat e, quality solar installation has been provided. The installation of photovoltaic power systems is well covered by what has long been State law in Massachusetts - M.G.L. Ch. 141S 1. The statute reads, “No person, firm or corporation shall enter into, engage in or work at the business of installing wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures or other appliances for carrying or using electricity for light, heat or power purposes, unless such person, firm or corporation have received a license and a certificate therefore, issued by the state examiners of electricians and in accordance with the provisions hereinafter set forth.” The language of this statute is unambiguous. It certainly applies to the installation of photovoltaic systems, which require wiring to enable the conversion of sunlight into electricity which is used to light, heat and power our homes, educational facilities, and businesses.

For the last 94 years, the contractors of the Electrical Contractors Association of Greater Boston (NECA) have abided by the regulations of the State Examiners of Electricians. We have gained the necessary training and experience to qualify as “Master Electricians.” In a recent ruling, The Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (BEEE), has reinstated its determination that photovoltaic systems in Massachusetts are required to be installed, repaired and maintained only by a licensed journeyman electrician or a properly supervised apprentice. It is a determination that will serve the Commonwealth and its citizens well.

NECA and our electrical industry partners, the IBEW, are well prepared to meet the increasing demand for photovoltaic installations. We have, for years, been training apprentices and journeymen electricians in photovoltaics. The contractors of our association have adeptly performed dozens of solar installations throughout Greater Boston and Eastern New England. These PV projects and many others that are underway by our experienced contractors, will continue to positively impact the business community and residential customers throughout the region for years to come. They are projects that have been and will be installed to meet all Electrical Codes and specifications. We applaud the State Board of Electrical Examiners for their recent ruling that confirms that PV system installations be handled by properly trained personnel, and with the oversight of electrical examiners and wire inspectors. NECA looks forward to continuing to build a safer, brighter and renewable future for Massachusetts.