SEVERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOLAR GROUPS are appealing a decision by a Department of Public Utilities hearing officer denying them full intervenor status in a rate case filed by National Grid.

The hearing officer, Marc Tassone, ruled on Dec. 17 that the groups could file comments in the case but did not deserve full party status. “I find the petitioners’ stated interests in rate design issues and energy policy are insufficient to warrant full party status in this proceeding,” Tassone said in his decision. “Having an interest in a proceeding may entitle a party to limited participant status, but more is required to justify full party status. Specifically, each petitioner must demonstrate a potential impact from the proceeding that is different than the potential impact on others.”

Direct Energy, a solar developer, said in its appeal that it is directly impacted by the National Grid rate case because the utility is seeking a new rate structure “to respond to the increase use of distributed generation in its service territory.” The firm also said several National Grid proposals would affect Direct Energy’s ability to sell solar arrays.

In its appeal, Acadia Center, an environmental advocacy group, said it had been granted party status in 24 previous DPU proceedings over the past seven years, including five rate cases. “Acadia Center is entitled to reasoned consistency by the department,” Acadia said.

Similar appeals were filed by other groups, including Vote Solar and Brightergy.

The full commission will rule on the appeals.