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

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Our Statement On Trump’s All-out Assault On Offshore Wind

On his first day in office, the president issued an executive order halting the future permitting and leasing of all offshore wind projects. That...

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Renewable energy Massachusetts Our programs

Solar Panels in Massachusetts: Solar Connect a Huge Success

Mass Energy members (and friends) make Solar Connect a huge success!

Mass Solar Connect came to an end on August 31st and we are pleased to report that not only was the program tremendously successful at increasing awareness and access to solar at a discounted price, but thanks to the interest and support of our members and affiliates, Mass Energy surpassed its goal of 200 contracts. A total of 261 contracts were signed, with a total electricity capacity of 1.9 megawatts! That’s the equivalent of removing 361 cars from the road and avoids approximately 1,700 metric tons of CO2 per year.

Picture of Eugenia Gibbons Eugenia Gibbons
Heating

Heating Oil Budget Plan: Set Yours Up Now!

Is there such thing as peace of mind when it comes to heating oil bills? A budget plan may be the answer. Signing up for a heating oil budget plan through your oil dealer is a good way to spread out your oil bill into 10 to 12 monthly payments, making oil bills more like a regular utility. Your cost is fairly even and there are no surprise huge oil bills that sneak up on you. It also helps dealers plan, reduce their costs and become more efficient.

Picture of Erin Taylor Erin Taylor
Electric vehicles/Transportation

"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. 

Kevin O'Brien 
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Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien
Renewable energy Massachusetts Electricity and the grid

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.

by Meredith Geraghty
Energy policy & advocacy Electricity and the grid

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 1st (for MA customers). Eversource customers will likely experience similar decreases beginning July 1st. 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?

Picture of Eugenia Gibbons Eugenia Gibbons 
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Priscilla De La Cruz and Katy Kidwell