After a day-long Zoom hearing Monday on the proposed transmission line carrying hydroelectricity from Quebec into Maine, there is only one conclusion: What a mess. The transmission line, designed to […]
Electricity
Posted inOpinion
Canadians call for new era of power grid diplomacy
FORMER QUEBEC premier Robert Bourassa passed away 25 years ago last month. In his 1985 book, Power from the North, he presented a passionate, articulate, and convincing argument to pursue […]
Posted inOpinion
Unitil settlement proves Healey wrong
AFTER NEARLY THREE YEARS of asserting that utility basic service is always a better deal for residential consumers than retail choice, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey just proved herself spectacularly […]
Posted inEnvironment, Opinion
What’s next after stunning Maine rebuke
LAST TUESDAY’S stunning rebuke by Maine voters of a utility transmission project has dramatic implications for Massachusetts’ clean energy and climate strategy. The so-called New England Clean Energy Connect transmission […]
Posted inOpinion
Getting to yes on electricity transmission infrastructure
Second in a series ANY VISION of the future decarbonized power system is sure to include hundreds of wind turbines dotting the Atlantic Ocean to power homes and businesses across […]
Posted inOpinion
Why Maine voters did Mass. a favor
THE GOOD PEOPLE of Maine have done Massachusetts’ electric ratepayers a solid, as the expression goes. On Tuesday, Maine voters approved Question 1 on their ballot by a nearly 60-40 […]
Posted inEnvironment
Stalled Maine hydro power line raises concerns
WITH A PROPOSED Maine transmission line financed by Massachusetts electricity ratepayers heading to court, officials gathering at a conference in Boston on Thursday raised concerns about the region’s ability to […]
Posted inEnvironment
Maine voters tell Mass. to stick its transmission line
MAINE VOTERS delivered a shock to Massachusetts on Tuesday, overwhelmingly approving a ballot question that would block the Bay State’s bid to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by building […]
Posted inEnvironment
Baker calls Maine ballot fight ‘a big deal’
GOV. CHARLIE BAKER indicated he will be closely watching what happens in Maine on Tuesday, where voters will decide the fate of a ballot question that could block construction of […]
Posted inThe Download
2 key hurdles face Mass. power line to Quebec
A proposed power line bringing hydroelectricity from Quebec into New England via Maine faces two key hurdles in the coming months that could make or break climate change efforts in […]
Posted inUncategorized
2 key hurdles face Mass. power line to Quebec
A PROPOSED power line bringing hydroelectricity from Quebec into New England via Maine faces two key hurdles in the coming months that could make or break climate change efforts in […]
Posted inOpinion
Electric vehicle rebate needs to increase, expand
FROM THE GRIDLOCK of the Southeast Expressway to Logan Airport and the Cape Cod bridges, traffic congestion is so commonplace in Massachusetts that it’s easy to forget transportation is also […]
Posted inThe Download
Beacon Hill eyeing tradeoffs on offshore wind
A major policy debate is taking shape on Beacon Hill between those who see offshore wind as the key to meeting the state’s climate change goals, and those who see […]
Posted inEnvironment
Beacon Hill eyeing tradeoffs on offshore wind
A MAJOR POLICY DEBATE is taking shape on Beacon Hill between those who see offshore wind as the key to meeting the state’s climate change goals, and those who see […]
Posted inThe Download
Baker reverses course on utility contracting
One of the most bizarre contracting arrangements in state government may soon be coming to an end. In 2016, the Legislature passed and Gov. Charlie Baker signed a law containing […]
Posted inEnvironment
Baker reverses course on utility contracting
ONE OF THE MOST bizarre contracting arrangements in state government may soon be coming to an end. In 2016, the Legislature passed and Gov. Charlie Baker signed a law containing […]
Posted inEnvironment
Baker shifts thinking on offshore wind
GOV. CHARLIE BAKER signaled a major shift in his thinking on offshore wind Wednesday, unveiling legislation that would entice developers to put down roots in Massachusetts by spending $750 million […]
Posted inOpinion
Plotting the future of the region’s power grid
DRIVE AROUND MASSACHUSETTS and you’d be hard pressed not to see a home with solar panels. Wind turbines are spinning over the Berkshires and coastal communities, with more planned for […]
Posted inUncategorized
2 offshore wind developers submit bids
THE HEADLINES detailing the emergence of a US offshore wind supply chain in its infancy are starting to pop up in all sorts of places – a $250 million monopile […]
Posted inThe Download
Ida renews calls for decentralizing grid
Hurricane Ida delivered a knockout punch to the power grid in New Orleans on Sunday, plunging the city into darkness and renewing a long-running national debate about the best way […]
Posted inEnvironment
Ida renews calls for decentralizing grid
HURRICANE IDA delivered a knockout punch to the power grid in New Orleans on Sunday, plunging the city into darkness and renewing a long-running national debate about the best way […]
Posted inEnvironment
Is it Cape Wind all over again?
TWO NANTUCKET RESIDENTS, backed by a network of think tanks and beachfront property owners along the East Coast, set in motion what appears to be a Cape Wind strategy for […]
Posted inOpinion
Lessons from early days of EV charging
ELECTRIC VEHICLES are crucial to reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. That’s why governors from coast to coast have announced that they will ban the sale of new gas-powered […]
Posted inEnvironment
Salem newcomer to offshore wind conversation
SALEM IS NOW in the conversation as one of a handful of Massachusetts communities that could be key players as the state vies to become a hub for offshore wind […]