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

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Heating Oil 101: Why is the cost of service rising?

The Cost of Heating Oil

You may have noticed throughout the past few years that the cost of a service policy has gone up significantly. In the summer of 2013, Mass Energy looked around to see what was happening in the industry, and found that there had been a 19% increase* in the average renewal price for service contracts over the last 5 years[1]. Why?

Picture of Erin Taylor Erin Taylor

Early Boiler and Furnace Replacement

Heating System Maintenance With Mass Save

Have you been thinking about replacing your heating system? Most people wait until their system collapses, but recent improvements in heating system designs means that you might be throwing away good money if you wait to replace your heating system until you have to. And now, Mass Save is offering incentives for upgrading older furnaces and boilers.

Picture of Loie Hayes Loie Hayes

Rhode Island Sends Mixed Signals on Renewable Energy

Rhode Island was one of the first states in the country to establish a renewable energy standard, a requirement for electricity suppliers to include an increasing percentage of power from sources such as local wind turbines and solar. The standard has worked well, changing the mix that Rhode Islanders get, whether they purchase from National Grid or through a competitive supplier. The standard is scheduled to increase by 1 or 1.5% per year. However, we were disappointed in December to learn that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), appointees of Governor Chafee, voted 2–1 to delay a scheduled increase in the state’s requirement. What it means, very simply, is less renewable energy purchased by Rhode Islanders. And that means less green power on the New England grid because generators cannot get financing to build projects unless there is sufficient demand.

Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien

Mothers Out Front: A Force Against Climate Change

If you haven’t heard about Mothers Out Front (MOF), it was only a matter of time. Mothers Out Front is a local non-profit organization gathering hundreds of parents in numerous communities to confront climate change. Motivated by the love of their children, grandchildren, and their commitment to protect them, MOF is working hard to convey the dangers climate change poses for future generations and the necessity of switching to clean energy. 

Picture of Katy Kidwell Katy Kidwell

Boston Receives Top Rank for Energy Efficiency

Boston Is At The Top!

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released the 2013 City Energy Efficiency Scorecard, a report that ranks 34 of the most populous U.S. cities on policies to advance energy efficiency. Boston took top honors doing the most to save energy! Other top-scoring cities include Portland, Oregon, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle and Austin.

Picture of Katy Kidwell Katy Kidwell