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

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Massachusetts

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

Proposed Changes To Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) recently proposed changes to the structure of the Massachusetts rebate program for electric vehicles (EVs), MOR-EV. You can share your feedback on the proposed changes with DOER in writing or by attending a virtual or in-person public hearing. Here are all the details!

Picture of Anna Vanderspek Anna Vanderspek

It Pays to Plug In Your EV: New Vehicle-To-Grid Program In Massachusetts

Some electric vehicle (EV) owners in Massachusetts with eligible vehicles will soon be able to receive compensation for plugging in their EVs and sending electricity back to the grid. The process of sending electricity back to the grid from your EV, also known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), can help EV drivers earn extra money from their vehicles while reducing stress on the grid during peak energy demand days. This V2G opportunity will be administered through electric utility companies National Grid and Eversource through their ConnectedSolutions program.

Picture of Suriya Selvakumar Suriya Selvakumar

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

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

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.

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.