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

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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.

Puanoa A. Higginson

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 13th. 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.

Kat Burnham

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.

Eugenia Gibbons and Kat Burnham

Three insights on recent volatility in the heating oil market

Oil truck drivers trudge through record snowfall to keep tanks full.

This heating season, not quite done, has been one for the record books. Huge amounts of snow, very cold weather, but also a big drop in oil prices compared to last year categorized the winter. And it’s been the best year for Mass Energy/People’s Power & Light Discount Heating Oil Service members in a long time. Compared to surveys conducted by the state energy offices in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, throughout this winter our members have paid 44 cents less than full-service dealer prices in Massachusetts and 35 cents less than full-service dealer prices in Rhode Island, after adjusting for heating degree days. 

Phil Lindsay & Larry Chretien