The Update: LightReach is automating our existing PTO Greenlight process. Installers will (1) receive a clear PTO Greenlight status directly in the LR portal and (2) be able to submit PTO proactively ahead of the M2 milestone.

• The Now: On 2/26/25 we're previewing our Greenlight status automation directly in the LightReach portal. Additionally, installers can submit PTO details in advance of the broader Activation (M2) submission.
• The Later: From Q2, PTO Greenlight processes must be followed to avoid a penalty. If PTO is achieved prior to Greenlight, LightReach reserves the right to net fund the ITC value from the EPC milestone payment.

The Background: TPO providers handle complex financial processes behind the scenes. Installers may need to allow for some 'hold time' for an installed system to be processed with our capital funds before it can receive Permission to Operate (PTO) from the utility. Prematurely PTOing a project may result in lost tax credit value.

Typical PTO 'Hold Time' is nominal, however, some accounts may require a PTO Hold Time of up to 10 business days.

The Fine Print:

• This process is an automated enhancement of our pre-existing, manual processes. We began previewing this automation in October 2024.
• The PTO Greenlight status will be displayed on each account in the LightReach portal.
• Designated installer contacts will be notified via email when new Greenlight approvals are granted, and can filter by PTO Greenlight Status in the LR portal.
• Systems which are PTOd prior to PTO Greenlight Granted may be net funded for lost ITC value.

The Update: National Grid, Eversource, and Unitil MA now allow system sizes up to 25kW (AC) to qualify for full, retail net metering.

The Details:

• On January 31, the MA DPU issued an order in docket 23-140 increasing the maximum system size for net metering. Eligible system sizes have changed from 10kW (AC) to 25kW (AC) as required by the 2022 Climate Act.
• Pre-install customers may submit a change order if they'd like to have a larger system to cover their energy needs. Post-install customers may be eligible for second systems - Check our Eligible Sites policy for more details.

The Update: We’ve revised the process on re-sending disclosures after changes are made to the system details. This means no more need to void those contracts to get an updated ABP form!

The Details:

• QC techs will identify projects that have IL Shines disclosures out of tolerance with program guidelines
• New disclosures are sent by the internal LightReach incentives team
• Once signed, our incentives team will upload the updated disclosure to the activation package
• EPCs will be sent weekly emails regarding which customers have updated disclosures that are unsigned so they can assist LightReach in getting the signature
• Why it’s Important: Without a signed updated disclosure, EPCs will be unable to secure M2 approvals

Shines Disclosure Form out of program tolerance? We’ve got you covered.
In order to effectively create & send new disclosures for projects that do NOT meet the IL Shines tolerance for AC & DC systems sizes, LightReach now needs a copy of the UB that allows the incentives team to determine the following:

• An estimate of the customer’s annual electricity usage (needed for all DG Disclosure Forms)
• Expected 1 year usage:
• Ameren - Page 1 of the UB
• ComEd - Page 1 of the UB
• Electric Supply:
• Ameren - Page 3 of the UB
• ComEd - Page 2 of the UB