“Alternative energy” is a phrase used to describe technologies that help increase energy efficiency and reduce reliance on conventional fossil-fuel based electricity generation, but do not qualify as clean or renewable energy sources. Energy efficiency is often conceptualized as a clean energy resource, and many consider efficiency resources to be nearly unlimited. Although ISO-New England recognizes efficiency as a capacity resource, Massachusetts does not recognize efficiency technologies such as cogeneration as qualified renewable generating units. Instead, they fall under the category of “alternative energy” and are prioritized differently in terms of funding. The Alternative Portfolio Standard(APS) was established in January of 2009 as a result of the Green Communities Act. It requires a certain percentage of the state’s electric load to be met by eligible “alternative energy” technologies. Read more.