Transforming renewable energy certification

Overview

We modernized DOER's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) application process by replacing a legacy certification portal with a streamlined, web-based platform that simplifies complex renewable energy applications, improves regulatory review, and provides a scalable foundation for ongoing program administration.

Business impact

The new application portal unified the renewable energy certification process into a single platform that supports applicants and regulators throughout the entire application lifecycle. Guided submission workflows, structured reviews, and integrated change management simplified a highly regulated process while laying the groundwork for future program growth.

• End-to-end renewable energy certification platform
• Intuitive and easy application submission process
• Streamlined application review and approval workflows

Problem

DOER's RPS certification process relied on a legacy application portal that had become increasingly difficult to maintain as program requirements evolved. Updating the system was slow and costly, limiting DOER's ability to adapt to changing regulatory needs. The platform also lacked support for several critical workflows, forcing staff and applicants to rely on manual processes outside the system.

High-volume applicants managing thousands of renewable energy units often had to submit only a portion of their applications through the portal and complete the remainder through offline workarounds. Key certification data was fragmented across spreadsheets, making it difficult to maintain a reliable source of truth for renewable energy facilities. Applicants had limited visibility into application progress, Generation Information System (GIS) processing, and review status, while change requests were managed entirely through email. Together, these limitations increased administrative effort, reduced transparency, and made it difficult to efficiently support Massachusetts' growing renewable energy programs.

Solution

We designed and developed a modern application portal that supports the complete renewable energy certification lifecycle, from initial submission through approval and ongoing change management. Dynamic application forms adapt to each project type, guiding applicants through complex regulatory requirements while reducing unnecessary data entry.

The platform introduced role-based organization management, structured review workflows, collaborative commenting, automated notifications, and comprehensive audit history. We also integrated downstream GIS reporting, document management, and post-approval change request workflows, creating a single system that supports both applicants and DOER staff throughout the certification process.

Result

The new application portal transformed a fragmented certification process into a centralized, scalable platform for renewable energy program administration. DOER staff now review and approve applications more efficiently through structured workflows that reduce manual coordination and simplify complex regulatory reviews. Applicants benefit from greater transparency throughout the certification process with detailed application status updates and visibility into GIS processing, while integrated lifecycle management better equips DOER for ongoing program administration and future regulatory changes.