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

"Ride & Drive" electric vehicle demonstrations are out there - go find your green car!

Some years ago, the words “electric car” would make a lot of people scoff – either because they didn’t think it was ever going to be practical, or they had technical reasons or resignation that the car industry was not interested. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a reality now, and they are giving combustion engines a run for their money. Tens of thousands are on the road; the numbers keep rising, and every car company is jumping in the game. Models like the Chevy Volt, BMW i3, Nissan LEAF, SMART, Mercedes B-Class, Tesla and the Ford Fusion are just a few of the big names out there today. 

June electricity prices lowest in 12 years: So why more gas pipelines?

Local Wind Turbines and Low-Impact Hydro: Updates in MA and RI

We like to keep our members and the general public updated on renewable energy progress in New England. Our green power updates will tell you a little more about what’s going on in renewable energy construction. The local wind turbines and low-impact hydro project in this update are supported by Mass Energy and People's Power & Light members.

Massachusetts Net Metering Caps: Clarifying the Confusion

Have you recently stumbled across a news article, email, or blog post about Net Metering Caps in Massachusetts? Don’t be discouraged. Chances are the net metering caps do not actually apply to your residential solar installation. Even so, net metering caps are a pressing issue in the solar industry, and here in Massachusetts, right now.

What’s Happening with Electricity Rates and What Can Be Done About it?

Consumers have been on an electric rates rollercoaster ride this past year. Many have been left reeling from a freezing winter and higher-than-usual electric rates. The good news is that rates will be dropping back down this summer for utility basic supply customers. National Grid’s rate decreased more than 40% as of May 1^st (for MA customers). Eversource customers will likely experience similar decreases beginning July 1^st. These summer rate drops will provide much needed relief, but what needs to be done to ensure this does not continue to happen in winters to come?

Green Power Member Spotlight: Susanne Altenburger

The “Member Spotlight” series highlights the individuals that make our organization great. Each post tells the story of an outstanding Mass Energy or PP&L member. By sharing their stories we hope to spread the word about their unique efforts and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Meet Susanne Altenburger, New England GreenStart member since 2009 and long-time energy efficiency expert. As she explains “there is a certain philosophy behind the price you pay when you have bad habits.” Eliminating these energy “bad habits” through efficiency is key for Susanne. After researching the fundamentals of and determining what low-carbon construction is all about, she found that many of us spend way too much money on wasted energy. By minimizing her wasted energy and greening up the small amount of energy she does use with Mass Energy, Altenburger has forged a model energy lifestyle.

People’s Power & Light and RI Energy Policy

The warmer weather and blossoms on Smith Hill are evidence we’re in the heat of the Rhode Island legislative session. People’s Power & Light (PP&L) has invited key policy makers, including General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, to our upcoming Annual Meeting May 13^th. The evening is an opportunity for energy professionals and friends to learn about key policies PP&L supports. Rhode Island continues to make meaningful progress in green infrastructure, but there is more work to be done.

Guest Blog: Regulatory Review A Dangerous Path

Baker's call to streamline rules threatens forward-looking Massachusetts policies

Originally published on www.CommonwealthMag.org.  Read the original article here.

Municipal Aggregation: An Opportunity for Local Renewable Energy

For some time now in Massachusetts, you have been able to choose green power for your home or business. And for some time, your community has been able to choose an electricity supplier to serve the entire town. Today, we can put the two ideas together: renewable energy by community choice.

Doubling Down on Renewables: Improving the MA Renewable Portfolio Standard and RI Renewable Energy Standard

Climate scientists have concluded that in order to prevent the Earth’s temperature from rising 2°C and avert the most dangerous impacts related to climate change, we must reduce carbon emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Since a significant portion of GHG emissions come from the electric sector, an obvious way to reduce emissions is to displace fossil fuels in that sector with zero-emission resources such as wind and solar. Not only does investing in renewables reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, but together with efficiency, renewable energy is the best way to hedge against price volatility of natural gas.