In September, it was reported that wholesale electricity prices in Texas were negative during some evenings, largely a result of high wind production. Wind makes up a higher percentage of Texas’ energy mix than in New England, but we want to see more wind here. So what does it mean that there were negative electricity prices? To get a good answer, we asked our expert friends at the Cambridge-based Synapse Energy Economics.
Mass Energy members (and friends) make Solar Connect a huge success!
Mass Solar Connect came to an end on August 31st and we are pleased to report that not only was the program tremendously successful at increasing awareness and access to solar at a discounted price, but thanks to the interest and support of our members and affiliates, Mass Energy surpassed its goal of 200 contracts. A total of 261 contracts were signed, with a total electricity capacity of 1.9 megawatts! That’s the equivalent of removing 361 cars from the road and avoids approximately 1,700 metric tons of CO2 per year.
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.
We like to keep our members and the general public updated on renewable energy progress in New England. Our green power updates will tell you a little more about what’s going on in renewable energy construction. The local wind turbines and low-impact hydro project in this update are supported by Mass Energy and People's Power & Light members.
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.
For some time now in Massachusetts, you have been able to choose green power for your home or business. And for some time, your community has been able to choose an electricity supplier to serve the entire town. Today, we can put the two ideas together: renewable energy by community choice.
Climate scientists have concluded that in order to prevent the Earth’s temperature from rising 2°C and avert the most dangerous impacts related to climate change, we must reduce carbon emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Since a significant portion of GHG emissions come from the electric sector, an obvious way to reduce emissions is to displace fossil fuels in that sector with zero-emission resources such as wind and solar. Not only does investing in renewables reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, but together with efficiency, renewable energy is the best way to hedge against price volatility of natural gas.
Mass Energy and PP&L source a very specific type of renewable energy to ensure the greatest impact per dollar that our members spend. Not only do we want our members to buy renewable energy, we want their purchase to displace electricity generated by fossil fuels. Don't get fooled by green power suppliers who greenwash New England consumers.
Last week, we learned that National Grid and NSTAR decided to withdraw their commitment to purchase electricity from the Cape Wind project. Many of us were looking forward to seeing Cape Wind become the first offshore wind project in the United States. Now that seems unlikely. Without the contracts with NSTAR and National Grid, Cape Wind will find it extremely difficult to get financing.
Acting on the recommendations of the Department of Energy Resources and Attorney General, on December 16th, the...
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