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

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Securitization Can Lower Electricity Bills

When an investor-owned utility, like National Grid or Eversource, builds an electric substation or makes some other infrastructure investment, it...

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Energy policy & advocacy

Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Electricity and the grid

Securitization Can Lower Electricity Bills

When an investor-owned utility, like National Grid or Eversource, builds an electric substation or makes some other infrastructure investment, it takes on debt to do so and then pays off that debt over time through revenue raised from ratepayers' bills. Before it is paid off, utilities use a mix of low-interest bonds and more expensive equity funding from their shareholders to finance their debt. This use of high-cost equity financing sends money to utility shareholders (which encourages people to invest in the utilities) but burdens ratepayers with higher bills.

Picture of Carrie Katan Carrie Katan
Energy policy & advocacy Electricity and the grid Heating Rhode Island Phasing out fossil fuels

Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission Made Some Good Calls

After a several-month process, on Friday, August 21,  the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) made several decisions in response to a rate increase request from Rhode Island Energy (RIE). This rate case was primarily about what RIE would charge for distributing electricity and gas (think poles, wires, and pipelines). It did not affect the supply of gas or electricity. Overall, the decisions are good for ratepayers and will support the Ocean State’s efforts to comply with the 2021 Act on Climate.

Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien 
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Picture of Amanda Barker Amanda Barker
Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Climate change

Breaking Down Governor Healey’s Latest Energy Letter

On Friday, July 31, Governor Healey held a press conference announcing that she had sent a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate about her priorities for energy legislation. The House and Senate have each passed energy bills and have recently formed a conference committee to hash out differences. Their work may take several weeks as there are dozens of issues to resolve. In this context, the governor’s letter could be a significant factor, and we think it’s worth a few minutes of your time.

Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien
Renewable energy Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Electricity and the grid Green municipal aggregation

Competitive Electricity Suppliers: The "Clean" Choice That Costs You More

Maybe this will be the last year I have to write about this stuff (more below on why), but I want to report an offer I received from a competitive electricity supplier. First, some context. I live in Quincy, Massachusetts, so I am able to choose an electricity supply service from three options.

Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien
Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Electricity and the grid Energy efficiency Climate change Action Alert

Massachusetts Senate To Vote On Energy This Wednesday: You Can Help!

On Wednesday, July 1, the Massachusetts State Senate is scheduled to vote on a major energy bill, Senate 3143. We are as deeply engaged in this matter as we can be. Your help is needed to make it the best possible law.

Here are some points we think you should know.

Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien 
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Picture of Carrie Katan Carrie Katan
Renewable energy Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Electricity and the grid Energy efficiency Climate change

Mass. Senate Energy Bill – Not Perfect But Very Good!

The Massachusetts State Senate is taking steps towards passing a very comprehensive energy bill before the holiday. As you remember, the House passed its energy bill back in February. The Senate Ways and Means Committee drafted the bill, and it is expected to be voted on by the full Senate on July 1. Overall, the bill is excellent insofar as it would make energy more affordable without backsliding on clean energy programs. There will be amendments filed to alter the committee's draft, but the starting point is solid. We do not endorse every provision in the bill, but there are major provisions that we enthusiastically support.

Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien 
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Picture of Carrie Katan Carrie Katan
Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Energy efficiency Climate change

Coming Soon: Massachusetts Senate Energy Bill

Readers of our blog know that we are actively engaged in lobbying for a pro-consumer, pro-environment energy bill this legislative session in Massachusetts. We reported on the House’s version back in February. The State Senate has been working on the bill since then. Here’s a very brief update with an appeal for you to contact your senator.

Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien
Renewable energy Energy policy & advocacy Energy efficiency Rhode Island Climate change Phasing out fossil fuels Action Alert

Budget & Benchmarking: Where Rhode Island Stands As Session Nears End

This 2026 Rhode Island legislative session will likely wrap up on June 12th. The House amended budget was released last Friday, and both chambers are working to pass it quickly. We have been tracking two important pieces of legislation all session: The Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and building decarbonization legislation. Both are critical for the state to maintain and potentially hasten our current trajectory of emissions reductions to meet the mandates in the Act on Climate.

Picture of Tina Munter Tina Munter