Did you know that a rooftop solar system can save you up to $30,000 over its lifetime? Thanks to a combination of state and federal incentives, a variety of ownership and financing options, and decreasing prices, solar can be an affordable and smart investment in Massachusetts.
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.
Originally published on www.CommonwealthMag.org. Read the original article here.
Beneath our feet is a vast network of natural gas distribution infrastructure. The aging pipes in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are among some of the oldest in the region and the nation, which means they are also some of the most leak-prone. We’ve known for some time that the methane (CH4) emitted through natural gas pipeline leaks contributes significantly to global warming. This is because methane is about 35 times more potent than carbon dioxide (C02), trapping a lot more heat in the atmosphere. However, a recent study reveals that natural gas distribution systems are leaking far more methane than previously estimated.
This revelation comes at a time when utility executives and several public officials continue to push for new pipelines, paid for by New England electricity ratepayers, to bring more natural gas into the region to burn in power plants[1]. So, when public officials call for more natural gas, are they going to take commensurate counter measures to ensure that we can get on track to reducing emissions as called for in the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) and the Resilient Rhode Island Act (RRA): 80% by 2050?
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.
Heating system upgrades are a great way to help you save energy (and money). Though upgrading may seem like an intimidating project, you can break it down into manageable steps:
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.
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.
If you work for a non-profit organization in Massachusetts, this survey can help. Do you think your organization is losing valuable dollars to leaky buildings or old heating systems? Are chilly offices making your staff and clients uncomfortable? There may be help on the way. At Mass Energy, we are working to help non-profits with energy management.
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.
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