Add Comment

Electrical power generation is the second largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions in Metro Boston.  Massachusetts has committed to a carbon cap and trade program, which attaches a price to carbon emissions and makes cleaner, more efficient fuels financially competitive with oil and coal burning plants.  This transition can be supported by technologies, programs and policies that help to reduce demand for electricity and establish saving energy as an equal partner with new power generation.  Electrical efficiency programs operated by the state’s electric utilities between 2003 - 2005 cost $504 million and yielded $1,227 billion in lifetime savings on electric bills. Cost effective investment in energy efficiency in the New England states could offset eight years worth of projected growth in energy demand.  Barriers to implementation often include lack of information about efficient technology options, too much emphasis on up-front versus long-term energy cost planning, and incentives that are split between building owners and tenants.

Massachusetts has begun to lead the way in the application of conservation measures. Governor Patrick signed Executive Order 484, “Leading by Example- Clean Energy and Efficient Buildings” in April of 2007. Through various initiatives, the program works to reduce the overall environmental impacts of state government operations, particularly climate and energy impacts. Executive Order 484 establishes higher energy efficiency standards in the operation of state buildings, setting short- and long-term targets and goals to advance clean energy and efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. The order required all state agencies involved in the construction of and major renovation of over 20,000 square feet to meet LEED certification as well as energy performance standards 20% better than the Massachusetts Energy Code.  

Included in the Green Communities Act of 2008, least cost energy planning requires distribution companies to look at all energy sources when they purchase power, requiring them to purchase the most long-term cost-effective and stable sources available versus traditional fossil fuel supplies.  Under the legislation, each distribution company must create a procurement plan that identifies and prioritizes all cost-effective efficiency measures.  A new oversight Council, made up of a diverse range of stakeholders including low-income, commercial and industrial, manufacturing, environmental and efficiency experts, is established to ensure that demand resource plans maximize economic benefits to consumers. The administration is in the process of implementing this process. 

4)    Implement stronger energy efficiency and green building standards

5)    Promote distributed generation and combined heat & power at compact growth locations

6)    Give consumers more information about energy use, cost, and efficiency

7)    Create new funding mechanisms for energy efficiency improvements

8)    Increase efficiency of transportation system