On Wednesday, July 1, the Massachusetts State Senate is scheduled to vote on a major energy bill, Senate 3143. We are as deeply engaged in this matter as we can be. Your help is needed to make it the best possible law.
Here are some points we think you should know.
The Process
The House voted on an energy bill in February. The Senate will vote on its version Wednesday. After that, three members each from the House and Senate will form a conference committee to develop a compromise. The conference committee will then meet over several weeks or months. Once the committee produces a final version, both chambers must give a final vote to send the bill to Governor Healey.
It’s a Whopper.
164 pages and 105 sections. And senators have filed 183 amendments! There are some amendments that would make the bill better, and some that would make it worse.
It’s Very Good.
The Senate found several good ways to save consumers money without backsliding on clean energy.
Mass Save
The Senate bill does not cut the Mass Save budget, as did the House back in February. There are some proposed amendments that would cut the budget that we want to defeat.
Gas Utility Overspending
The bill phases out the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP) that has evolved into a boondoggle for gas utilities. There are some proposed amendments that would slow down the phase-out that we want to defeat.
Predatory & Greenwashing Electricity Suppliers
The bill contains language largely similar to the House’s on this issue. It would better regulate companies that have used predatory tactics to overcharge customers in Massachusetts for years. Among other things, this language would give towns the ability to ban suppliers within their borders, crack down on manipulative marketing, and allow the Department of Public Utilities to fix the purchase of receivables system.
Data Centers
The bill itself does not have a section on data centers. However, there are several good amendments that would regulate data centers in ways to protect consumers and environmental quality. We are one of many organizations in favor of Amendment #62, offered by Senator Howard of Lowell.
You can see a list of the main amendments we are supporting here.
Contact Your State Senator.
Please call or email your state senator (you can find them here).
You could say something like:
“Hello, my name is [NAME], and I live in [TOWN]. I hope you will support the Senate Energy Bill and work to keep in the sections that would reduce gas utility overspending, regulate third-party electric suppliers, and promote clean energy. I am also asking you to oppose any amendment that would cut Mass Save’s budget. Thank you.”
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