Dive Brief:
- A Massachusetts lawmaker is proposing sweeping changes to the state's energy strategy, including measures to help fund a gas pipeline, more efficiently site electric transmission and expand the use of offshore wind generation.
- The bill follows on a study released by outgoing Gov. Duval Patrick (D), which found the state would need to add gas capacity or face constraints and higher power prices on the coldest days.
- The measure, proposed by Rep. Patricia Haddad (D), said the state is facing a "reliability crisis" with 8,000 MW of existing generation expected to retire in the coming years, RTO Insider reports.
Dive Insight:
Haddad's proposal is aimed at ensuring Massachusetts has sufficient energy diversity, with additions to both renewable power and natural gas supply. The state could need an additional 600 MMcf/d in 2020 and by 2030 the deficit could be 900 MMcf/d, according to analysis released last month.
The ambitious bill calls on Massachusetts to enact "a balanced, long-term energy plan to best assure varied energy sourcing; safe, efficient and uninterrupted energy delivery; coupled with sound and integrated economic development and mindful of climate change and the cost to the consumer."
RTO Insider dug into the bill, and found it would use a new tax to fund a gas pipeline, encourages power imports from Canada, boosts offshore wind and would create a siting board to ease construction of transmission infrastructure.
The state needs new gas infrastructure, but a similar tax proposal stalled in last year's legislature.
The bill also calls for a commission to study and make recommendations on the state's energy needs. The study would look at streamlining energy siting, considering a one-stop process through a single agency, and would create a defined role for local community input. Another priority energy companies will certainly like: Eliminating the need for multiple filings with several agencies.