The Energy Consumer's Bulletin- a New England energy news blog

Tariffs On Canadian Energy Are Trouble For New England

Over the weekend, you may have read or heard that the Trump administration is going to impose new 25% tariffs on imported goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, effective on Tuesday. The depth and scope of how these tariffs will affect our economy and international relations is incredibly wide and deep. It will affect food, cars, lumber, and much more – and that’s before those countries retaliate by raising tariffs on things that we export. But with this blog, Green Energy Consumers will stay in our lane, meaning we will focus on the impacts of these tariffs on New England energy markets.

Massachusetts Electricity Rate Reform is Heading in the Right Direction

Back in May, several Massachusetts state agencies came together to form an Interagency Rates Working Group (IRWG) to advance near- and long-term electric rate designs that align with the Commonwealth’s decarbonization goals by prioritizing the reduction of energy burden while incentivizing transportation and building electrification. That statement of purpose is a mouthful but it succeeds at crystalizing the general consensus on Massachusetts energy policy goals among state officials and many advocates, including Green Energy Consumers Alliance — which is, how can we pay for energy in a way that keeps energy affordable for everyone and encourages getting off of fossil fuels?

Incorrigible Greenwashing Electricity Suppliers Must Go

Almost exactly a year ago, I reported about a direct mail solicitation received from one of those retail electricity suppliers. Let’s call the company “Greenwashing Energy Choice.” Since then, that same company has been sending me similar pitches.

Massachusetts DPU Has Too Much To Do!

In our work, we pay close attention to the agencies regulating the electric and gas utilities. In Rhode Island, that’s the Public Utilities Commission (PUC); in Massachusetts, that’s the Department of Public Utilities (DPU).  

Both commissions have always had a big job – regulating what economists call "natural monopolies." "Natural" because it doesn’t make sense to have more than one company in a community distributing electricity or gas. How many poles and pipes do we really want?However, the role of utility regulators takes on a whole new importance when we realize that we must phase out fossil fuels and electrify buildings and transportation. If utility regulation was ever easy, it’s not anymore.

Chevy Has Two New EVs Worth A Look

Pardon this first-person account, but if you are thinking about buying or leasing an electric vehicle (EV) this year, this might be of help. Given what I do for a living, I know a lot of people who drive EVs, all different makes and models, and about 99% love the car they have. Our family has really enjoyed driving a Chevy Volt since 2014 (plug-in hybrid, or PHEV) and a Chevy Bolt (all-electric) since that came out a few years later. (Back when we got that Volt, we wrote a blog series about it – boy has the EV market come a long way in 10 short years!) Both cars are great for the money. We have had a decade of very low maintenance costs.

Massachusetts Polling Shows Strong Support for Gas Utility Regulation and Electrification

Recent polling conducted by MassInc on behalf of Rewiring America and Green Energy Consumers Alliance shows strong public support for regulating gas utilities in ways that are compatible with the Commonwealth’s climate laws. The public also supports efforts aimed at switching from fossil fuel heating to electrification.

Take Action To Help the Massachusetts Senate Advance Climate Action

The Massachusetts State Senate was planning on voting on a major energy and climate bill this week but a Republican Senator hasexercised their right to delay the vote. The Senate will now vote onTuesday, June 25. If you have not already, take five minutes today to let your Senator know you support the bill and certain key amendments.

Coordinating Mass Save with the Clean Heat Standard is Essential

This year, Massachusetts government agencies are working on major aspects of building decarbonization in three different arenas: Mass Save, the “Future of Gas” proceeding, and the Clean Heat Standard. The Commonwealth must coordinate these efforts to find the optimum set of policy solutions. This blog outlines our view on how state agencies should be coordinating these processes.

Another Great Example of What a Clean Heat Standard Can Do for Us

Our organization has been advocating for a Clean Heat Standard (CHS) in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. A clean heat standard gives energy suppliers options for meeting their obligations, but the logic of the standard is straightforward: It would require heating energy providers to implement clean heat services.

Time to Comment on the Clean Energy Transition in Massachusetts

For many years, there has been a lot going on in terms of Massachusetts energy and climate policy, but this year may top them all. We are seeing an unprecedented number of opportunities for citizens in the Commonwealth to speak out on a wide range of issues – grid modernization, strengthening the Clean Energy Standard, establishing a Clean Heat Standard, and energy policy in general. We encourage you to comment on topics that interest you. Here’s a list for your perusal, with text from the relevant agencies.