Mass. Senate previews rival energy savings plan
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The Senate could be headed for a collision with the House over how to lower energy costs for Massachusetts residents, one of the top issues for voters this year.
Why it matters: Senate president Karen Spilka previewed the Senate's new energy bill Thursday.
- It differs from the House-passed plan on how much Massachusetts should cut climate programs in pursuit of ratepayer relief.
Driving the news: Speaking to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Spilka said the Senate plan would save ratepayers over $10 billion over 10 years.
- That's slightly more than the House's $9 billion projection.
- Spilka said the bill will also maintain the state's "climate leadership" position.
Catch up quick: The House passed its energy bill in late February.
- The centerpiece is a $1 billion cut to the Mass Save efficiency program that's funded by utility fees.
- It also mandates 70% of utility penalty payments flow back to ratepayers.
- Environmental advocates criticized the bill for favoring utility cost savings over efficiency and support for cleaner fuels.
Between the lines: Sen. Mike Barrett, widely seen as a climate hawk, crafted the Senate plan, so it's unlikely to match the House's Mass Save cuts.
Yes, but: The mechanisms of Spilka and Barrett's plan are still vague, and it's unclear where cuts will come.
- No details of the legislation were made available.
Friction point: The two chambers must reconcile their divergent plans before anything becomes law.
What's next: The Senate is expected to advance the bill in the coming weeks. A conference committee battle will follow through the summer and fall.