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

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Should Data Centers Receive a Sales Tax Exemption?

Recently, data centers have rapidly become a topic that advocates and policymakers need to reckon with in the clean energy space. Mostly, we’ve seen...

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Massachusetts (2)

Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Electric vehicles/Transportation Rhode Island Climate change Action Alert

Critical Action Alert: Clean Vehicle Rules Under Attack

Automakers and the fossil fuel lobby have been campaigning across the country to undermine, delay, or destroy key regulations to reduce pollution from vehicles. In the next few days, it’s critical we all take action to defend these regulations to protect public health and fight climate change.  We don't mean two weeks from now. We mean now.

In this blog, we’ll cover how to take two actions (each will only take 3 minutes!) and then provide more context on what’s going on below. If you take action, email us at drivegreen@greenenergyconsumers.org to let us know!

Picture of Anna Vanderspek Anna Vanderspek
Renewable energy Massachusetts Electricity and the grid Rhode Island Climate change Phasing out fossil fuels

Watch Out For Disinformation About Offshore Wind

Climate change is the greatest threat to natural landscapes, marine ecosystems, and fishing industries in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Narragansett Bay has already warmed by nearly 3°F since 1960. Sea levels off the coast of Newport have risen 10 inches since 1930, and projections show they could rise as much as 9 feet in the next 75 years. These changes will drastically alter the fishing industry and the economy. Offshore wind is one of the most powerful tools we have to safeguard these vital resources.

Picture of Amanda Barker Amanda Barker
Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Heating Climate change Phasing out fossil fuels

Massachusetts Takes Bold Step To End Gas Line Subsidies

A coalition of twelve environmental and clean energy organizations1, including Rewiring America, Acadia Center, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, Sierra Club, and Environmental Defense Fund, recently submitted a letter strongly supporting the Department of Public Utilities' (DPU) draft policy to end gas line extension allowances (LEAs)—subsidies that have long encouraged new gas service connections and expansion.

Picture of Carrie Katan Carrie Katan , Ben Butterworth 
 and
Amanda Sachs
Massachusetts Electric vehicles/Transportation

Charge Your Electric Car Off-Peak in Massachusetts & Save

When you charge your electric car matters. Charging when overall demand for electricity is low reduces costs and emissions for the electric grid as a whole. For years, we’ve advocated for better “smart charging” programs from our electric utilities to incentivize electric vehicle (EV) owners to charge their cars off-peak.In addition to utility programs, EV drivers in Massachusetts can participate in the Clean Peak Standard to earn rewards for charging off-peak.

Picture of Anna Vanderspek Anna Vanderspek
Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Electricity and the grid

Predatory Electricity Suppliers are Causing Real Pain to Consumers

Back in the late 1990s, Massachusetts decided to allow companies, called third-party suppliers, to sell electricity directly to consumers. The theory was that free-market competition would drive down electricity rates as well-informed consumers efficiently made decisions. After a quarter century of allowing these third-party electric suppliers to sell electricity in Massachusetts, we know this hasn’t worked as planned for residential customers.

Picture of Carrie Katan Carrie Katan
Massachusetts Electric vehicles/Transportation Phasing out fossil fuels Action Alert

Attend a Public Hearing on EV Charging in Massachusetts

Almost two years ago, we wrote a blog about the first report produced by the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council (EVICC) in Massachusetts. Now, EVICC is gearing up to write its second report – and wants to hear from you! There are four public hearings, in person and virtual, coming up for you to share your experience and ideas. If you have an EV or are thinking about getting one, you probably have an opinion on what the state could do to improve EV charging infrastructure.

Picture of Anna Vanderspek Anna Vanderspek
Renewable energy Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Rhode Island Climate change

Rhode Island & Massachusetts Must Continue To Lead On Offshore Wind

It’s no secret that the Trump administration poses a significant challenge to the offshore wind industry in the United States. On the first day of his second term, Trump issued an Executive Order halting all permitting and lease sales for the technology. Nonetheless, offshore wind remains imperative to not only meeting our climate goals, but ensuring energy independence, jobs, and local economic growth. Rhode Island and Massachusetts have been at the forefront of the US offshore wind industry, and as the federal government presents new challenges, it is now more important than ever that our states continue to lead and do everything they can to support this vital resource.

Picture of Amanda Barker Amanda Barker
Massachusetts Energy efficiency Heating Rhode Island Climate change

The Status of Federal & State Energy Efficiency Incentives

“Seize the day” might be a good mantra if you’re exploring your options for reducing your energy costs in 2025. While there is potential for changes to energy programs at both the local and federal levels, there are many incentives currently still available. Don't let fears about the future dissuade you from proceeding with projects that pencil out with the incentives in place when it comes time for you to decide on your project.

Picture of Loie Hayes Loie Hayes 
 and
Picture of Amanda Barker Amanda Barker
Renewable energy Energy policy & advocacy Massachusetts Electric vehicles/Transportation Electricity and the grid Energy efficiency Heating Green municipal aggregation Rhode Island Our programs Climate change Phasing out fossil fuels

Listen Up! Our Green Energy Podcast Is Finally Here

We are excited to launch the Consumers for Climate Podcast, now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music! This podcast reflects our mission to empower consumers and communities to make energy choices that speed a just transition to a zero-carbon world.

by Adrianna Lovegrove