2009/10/27 ENE Applauds Historic Council Vote and New Energy Efficiency Plans for Massachusetts Press

ENE Applauds Historic Council Vote and New Energy Efficiency Plans for Massachusetts

October 27, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contacts: Sam Krasnow 617-742-0054 x101
                  Jeremy McDiarmid 617-429-0677
                        

BOSTON, MA--The Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council voted this afternoon to approve three-year statewide energy efficiency plans for both electric and natural gas customers.  The three-year plans have been under development since the beginning of 2009, and put the Commonwealth on course to achieve more than $6 billion in consumer benefits through larger investments in cost-saving energy efficiency.  The programs are designed to ramp-up to achieve electric energy savings of 2.4% per year and natural gas energy savings of 1.15% per year.

“The Efficiency Council has put Massachusetts firmly on track to lead the nation in energy efficiency efforts,” said ENE (Environment Northeast) Executive Director Daniel Sosland.  “By investing in expanded efficiency resources, Massachusetts consumers save money, reduce global warming and keep energy dollars in the state.”

The three-year plans are part of last year’s Green Communities Act, which requires utilities and program administrators to invest in all energy efficiency that is cheaper than new supply.  Along with other Council members, ENE has worked closely with utilities and other program administrators to shape these plans for maximum economic and environmental benefit. 

ENE recently quantified the profound economic impact that investments in efficiency have on local economies in its report, “Energy Efficiency: Engine of Economic Growth.”  ENE’s findings demonstrate that for every additional dollar invested in electric and gas energy efficiency, Massachusetts will see an approximate increase in gross state product of $6.40 and $7.50, respectively.  ENE also projects that this level of investment will lead to about 25,000 additional jobs. These efficiency investments will provide significant climate and air emissions benefits, helping the state achieve its new climate goals. 

“The Council vote represents an important milestone in realizing the vision set out in the Green Communities Act,” said ENE Policy Advocate and Attorney Sam Krasnow, an appointed member of the Council.  “This historic vote vaults the Commonwealth into position to achieve billions of dollars in savings while making significant new progress in our fight against global warming.”

“Energy efficiency remains the most affordable, most immediately available, and most effective way to meet our energy needs and reduce greenhouse gas pollution in the power sector,” explained Krasnow. “The cheapest and cleanest power plant is the one that is never built, and the economic and environmental savings will go back to the people and communities of Massachusetts.”

Under the Green Communities Act, the utilities and program administrators must file their plans along with the Efficiency Council’s recommendations with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) by October 31st.  The DPU then has 90 days to review and decide on the plans.