FERC OKs help for Mystic plants

Gas pipeline issue hovers over decision

By Bruce Mohl Electricity, Energy 0 Comments Jul 13, 2018

THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION has given New England’s power grid operator until the end of August to come up with a plan to prop up a pair of uneconomic natural gas power plants in Everett and until July 2019 to develop a long-term approach to fuel security vulnerability in the region. The 3-2 decision,(...)

Pacheco: Putting price on carbon is not a tax

Senate calls its proposal a market-based compliance system

By Bruce Mohl Energy, Massachusetts Legislature, State Government 0 Comments Jun 15, 2018

SEN. MARC PACHECO wants to make clear that the energy bill the Senate passed on Thursday night did not include a carbon tax. Under the state’s constitution, he said, the Senate is not permitted to introduce a so-called money bill; legislation that raises or lowers taxes must originate in the House. He said the Senate(...)

Putting a price on carbon gains momentum in Mass.

Senate approves legislation, National Grid lends its support

By Bruce Mohl Electricity, Energy, Transportation 0 Comments Jun 15, 2018

CLARIFICATION: The original version of this story twice likened putting a price on carbon to putting a tax on carbon, but a sponsor of the legislation said it is not a tax. To read his point of view click here. MASSACHUSETTS MOVED CLOSER to embracing an economy-wide price on carbon, as the Senate approved an(...)

Clouds over Mass. solar industry

Clear, bold leadership needed from Beacon Hill

By Sean Garren Electricity, Energy 0 Comments Jun 12, 2018

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT, just a decade ago, seeing solar panels was a novelty in neighborhoods across Massachusetts. Today, that’s all changed. Solar projects are ubiquitous across the Commonwealth – from the rooftops of homes, schools, and office buildings to solar canopies in parking lots and community solar farms. What’s been dubbed a “solar revolution”(...)

No 7th inning stretch needed, just clean energy home runs

National Grid baseball analogy provokes strong response

By Joel Wool, Craig S Altemose and Bill Ashley Energy 0 Comments Jun 12, 2018

This commentary was written by Joel Wool. I’VE NEVER BEEN A FAN of baseball metaphors. If we’re talking efficient use of energy rather than exercise or entertainment, it’s hard to see the utility of hitting a ball and running in circles. But since opponents of clean energy reforms have called for a “7th-inning stretch” to(...)

On clean energy, we need a 7th inning stretch

Time to take stock of where we are and where we’re going

By Marcy Reed Electricity, Energy 0 Comments Jun 9, 2018

HERE IN MASSACHUSETTS we guard against exuberance and premature celebration. We know no lead is safe at Fenway Park, that it’s wrong to put away snow shovels on March 1, or rejoice in dodging a single Route 1 pothole. But while reticence may be a welcome part of our New England DNA, self-reflection can often(...)

Region’s power grid is changing dramatically

Increase in solar reducing need for new pipelines

By Jerry Elmer Electricity, Energy 0 Comments Jun 4, 2018

APRIL 21, 2018 was an historic date for the New England power grid: It was the first time that mid-day peak energy demand from the power grid was lower than typically low overnight demand. The reason for this historic first is the effectiveness of energy efficiency and the combined output of 130,000 small, medium, and large solar(...)

Is Baker getting carried away with offshore wind?

Governor predicts ‘terrific pricing’ on Vineyard Wind contract

By Bruce Mohl Charlie Baker, Electricity, Energy 0 Comments May 31, 2018

GOV. CHARLIE BAKER may have gotten a little carried away on Wednesday talking about the “terrific pricing” the state is going to get for offshore wind power. “People are going to be really surprised, I think, because the argument has always been, ‘Well, renewable and clean energy sources are great but, jeez, they’re more expensive.’(...)

New York is a bad neighbor to New England

Gov. Cuomo is blocking pipelines that could help region

By Rob Ortt Electricity, Energy 0 Comments May 30, 2018

DEAR NEW ENGLAND: As a rule of thumb, I generally don’t feel bad for anyone who roots for the Bruins or the Patriots. But lately, I’ve re-considered such feelings. New York has been a bad neighbor. For years, you’ve experienced some of the highest electricity and home heating prices in the nation—and they make it(...)

Some Mainers question hydro-electricity line for MA

Gov. LePage criticizes 4 lawmakers who raised concerns

By Bruce Mohl Electricity, Energy 0 Comments May 23, 2018

MAINE, JUST LIKE NEW HAMPSHIRE, seems to be having some second thoughts about a transmission line selected by Massachusetts to carry hydro-electricity from Quebec into New England. Four key lawmakers in the Maine legislature wrote a letter earlier this month to Massachusetts utility regulators urging them to reject the power purchase contract with New England(...)