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

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Massachusetts House Energy Bill Passed with Massive Improvements Except One Terrible Section

Last night, Thursday, the Massachusetts House passed H.5151, the latest iteration of its energy affordability bill. While we strongly oppose its...

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Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Climate change

Massachusetts House Energy Bill Passed with Massive Improvements Except One Terrible Section

Last night, Thursday, the Massachusetts House passed H.5151, the latest iteration of its energy affordability bill. While we strongly oppose its proposed cut to Mass Save, overall, this bill is a massive improvement, both in terms of its impact on the climate and energy affordability, over the first version put out by the House Telecommunications Utility and Energy Committee back in November. Thanks to everyone who reached out to their lawmakers in opposition to that legislation, the Representatives who pushed back against pro-fossil fuel policies, and the hard work of House Ways and Means leadership and staff, many of the worst provisions originally in the bill, such as a pipeline tax, were removed.

Here is a summary of many of the best and worst provisions in this 100+ page bill.

Picture of Carrie Katan Carrie Katan
Renewable energy Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Electricity and the grid Energy efficiency Heating Climate change Phasing out fossil fuels Action Alert

Newest Energy Bill Out In Massachusetts: Call Your Rep!

The House Ways and Means Committee has just put out a new version of their energy bill, H.5151, which is expected to be voted on by the full House this Thursday. This bill, while a massive improvement over what left the House Telecommunications Utility and Energy Committee in November, is still a mixed bag. Though it removes many of the previous bill’s worst provisions and improves consumer protections for electricity customers, it would still impose draconian cuts on the Mass Save program. Yet again, we need you to take action by calling your representative!

Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien 
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Picture of Carrie Katan Carrie Katan
Energy policy & advocacy Rhode Island Climate change Action Alert

Rhode Island State Agencies Give Up on Clean Energy and the Act on Climate

Rhode Island has an implementation problem. In the four years since Governor Dan McKee signed the landmark Act on Climate, declaring that it “represents a commitment that not only addresses a moral imperative, but also presents a platform to enhance our economy, public health, environmental equity, and natural environment” (Act on Climate Press Release, 2021), the state has passed scant additional policies that would drive down emissions.

Now, environmental, labor, and business leaders are reeling after reviewing the Governor’s proposed FY 2027 Budget that attempts to yank out foundational policies needed to meet the Act on Climate.  

Picture of Tina Munter Tina Munter 
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Picture of Amanda Barker Amanda Barker
Renewable energy Energy policy & advocacy Electricity and the grid Climate change

Green Energy Consumers Joins Lawsuit to Stop Unlawful Federal Actions Against Wind & Solar

On January 12th, Green Energy Consumers joined a national coalition of regional wind and solar organizations, seeking immediate relief from the Trump administration’s unlawful federal permitting actions that violate the Administrative Procedure Act and arbitrarily and discriminatorily make wind and solar development effectively impossible throughout the country. These arbitrary and capricious actions strike at the heart of New England’s plans to expand the accessibility of affordable clean power. With household electricity bills continuing to sharply rise across the country, consumers should not be barred by the federal government from access to renewable energy.

Picture of Amanda Barker Amanda Barker
Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Energy efficiency Climate change Action Alert

Don't Look Up: The Environmental Consequences of Mass. House of Representatives' Energy Bill

The Massachusetts House of Representatives is moving forward once again with an energy bill that could impact affordability and climate progress for years to come. The House Ways and Means Committee is working on a new draft, picking up where the Energy Committee left off in November with House Bill 4744, a truly awful piece of legislation. We believe that Ways and Means will come out with a new version by the second week of February.

Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien
Energy policy & advocacy Electric vehicles/Transportation Phasing out fossil fuels

Electric Vehicles & Public Health

Electrifying our vehicles is a critical tool for cleaning up the air we breathe and improving our public health. The public health effects of pollution from gas and diesel vehicles are widespread but are unequally centered in areas where Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) groups live. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer consumers cleaner and more efficient means of transport than gas cars.

Picture of Caroline Gracia Caroline Gracia
Renewable energy Energy efficiency Heating Phasing out fossil fuels

Heat Pump Water Heaters: Essential For Climate Action & Now Cost Competitive

In the fight against climate change, figuring out efficient and clean ways to heat water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing is a crucial part of reducing emissions. For the average New England household, domestic water heating accounts for 17% of the home’s annual energy usage. Replacing water heaters is also one of the most frequent and costly maintenance tasks that many property owners and landlords must face. Most hot water storage tanks last about 10 years, meaning that property owners might replace their water heating systems two or three times more frequently than their furnaces or boilers. This makes water heater conversions an important opportunity for cutting our region’s carbon footprint. 

Picture of Loie Hayes Loie Hayes
Electric vehicles/Transportation

Introducing Our Used EV Finder

We are happy to announce our new-and-improved used EV Finder, a tool to help you find the pre-owned electric vehicle (EV) model that meets your driving needs and budget.  

Vehicle prices (of all kinds, not just electric) are higher than ever; 20% of new-car buyers are now paying more than $1,000 a month for their vehicle. A pre-owned EV is a great choice if you want to pay less up front and save on fuel and maintenance, all while reducing air pollution.

Picture of Anna Vanderspek Anna Vanderspek 
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Picture of Caroline Gracia Caroline Gracia