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

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Empowering Change: 2024 Annual Report

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Energy policy & advocacy (22)

Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts

The Gubernatorial Forum on Energy, the Environment & the Innovation Economy

On Wednesday 10/8/2014 Mass Energy Consumers Alliance “greened”* the standing-room-only Gubernatorial Forum on Energy, the Environment & the Innovation Economy co-hosted by the Environmental League of Massachusetts and several other environmental organizations. At this event Jeff McCormick (I), Martha Coakley (D), Charlie Baker (R) and Evan Falchuk (I) offered remarks and answered a few pre-determined questions regarding where they stand on key environmental and energy issues.

All of the candidates expressed some level of commitment to core issues such as investing in energy efficiency, expanding the state’s energy portfolio to include more renewable energy, reaching the emission reduction goals of the Global Warming Solutions Act and collaborating with other states on climate change. George Bachrach, president of the Environmental League of Massachusetts and emcee of the event, speaking for the hosting environmental groups, commented that all of the candidates were “closer to our views  than any slate of candidates, at least I have ever seen before, smart thoughtful candidates that I think are hearing us.” But the candidates were divided on how to achieve these goals.

Meredith Geraghty
Energy policy & advocacy Climate change

Photo Blog: Reflecting on the People’s Climate March

Mass Energy’s message of clean, affordable energy was echoed by about 400,000 people on New York City on Sept. 21. The People’s Climate March was timed to coincide with a United Nations Summit on Climate Change. According to the UN, “Climate change is not a far-off problem. It is happening now and is having very real consequences on people’s lives. Climate change is disrupting national economies, costing us dearly today and even more tomorrow.  But there is a growing recognition that affordable, scalable solutions are available now that will enable us all to leapfrog to cleaner, more resilient economies.

“There is a sense that change is in the air. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has invited world leaders, from government, finance, business, and civil society to Climate Summit 2014 this 23 September to galvanize and catalyze climate action.  He has asked these leaders to bring bold announcements and actions to the Summit that will reduce emissions, strengthen climate resilience, and mobilize political will for a meaningful legal agreement in 2015. Climate Summit 2014 provides a unique opportunity for leaders to champion an ambitious vision, anchored in action that will enable a meaningful global agreement in 2015.”

Picture of Loie Hayes Loie Hayes
Renewable energy Energy policy & advocacy Rhode Island

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
Energy policy & advocacy

Russia, Ukraine, and Heating Oil Prices

Over the weekend, we saw how political turmoil in Ukraine was followed by Russian military action.   Today, we are seeing one result – sharply rising prices on the spot market for natural gas and oil.  Heating oil has increased over 6 cents.  Markets are responding as thousands of Russian troops solidified control over Crimea in the Ukraine. The U.S. warned Sunday that Moscow could face economic penalties unless it retreats.

Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien