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Massachusetts Energy Reform

Establishing a clean, secure and affordable energy system is a top priority for Massachusetts. Governor Patrick listed this at the top of his agenda when his term began in 2007. The comprehensive legislation finalized by a conference committee and approved by the House and Senate in 2008 advances energy efficiency and renewable energy to help the state lower its GHG emissions while keeping energy costs low for consumers.

Background

Energy advocacy in Massachusetts is of critical importance, not only to the Commonwealth but to the region as a whole. ENE recently engaged in intensive efforts to develop a policy...
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Massachusetts Energy Reform

The legislation (SB 2768) is the result of coordinated efforts amongst environmental and consumer advocates, lawmakers and other stakeholders to identify and advance policies that will help the state reach its GHG emissions targets while strengthening the economy.

Some of the top priority energy reforms in the bill include:

  • utility procurement of all cost-effective efficiency for electric and natural gas customers
  • new energy procurement stakeholder council
  • an increase in the RPS requiring utilities to get 15% of their power from renewables by 2020
  • long-term contracting for renewables
  • measures encourage development of high-efficiency combined heat and power (CHP)
  • allocation of at least 80% of auction revenues from sales of RGGI emissions allowances to help fund increased investments in energy efficiency programs


The bills had broad support from a strong and diverse coalition of stakeholders -including ENE and other environmental advocates, business community members, three utilities, low-income advocates, administrators and legislators- who collaborated to craft legislation that would deliver real environmental and economic benefits.

 

A docket before DPU would decouple utility revenues from sales. ENE and other environmental and consumer groups are strongly advocating for this, because it an important step toward maximizing efficiency investments.

 

One additional proposed policy that complements the pending energy package is the Global Warming Solutions Act. Collectively, these initiatives will establish goals for achieving a cleaner energy supply, reducing reliance on polluting fossil fuels, and cutting carbon emissions.