McGee supports changes in energy resources distribution, use

Sen. Thomas M. McGee (D-Lynn) recently voted for sweeping changes in the use and implementation of energy resources as the Senate passed its version of energy reform legislation.”In an era of climate change and an uncertain economy it is imperative that we do everything we can to promote energy conservation and efficiency, not only for the greater good of the Commonwealth but for the global community,” McGee said. “This bill is a huge step in the right direction, and will allow for Massachusetts to stand out as a leader in energy conservation and efficiency.”An Act to Generate Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now – the GREEN Act – promotes renewable energy resources and energy efficiency. The bill helps ease energy costs in cities and towns by allowing municipalities to construct, own and operate small renewable energy generation sources.”Day after day, we hear about the skyrocketing prices of gas and home heating oil and more news about the changes in our climate,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “We cannot continue on this course if we expect to revitalize our economy and preserve our future. We need to reform our energy policies, and I believe the Senate’s bill moves us in the right direction.”The bill promotes renewable energies by including initiatives such as updating the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard to reach the goal of 20 percent renewable power resources by 2020. It also requires distribution companies to enter into long-term contracts for renewable energy to help renewable energy suppliers secure their place in the supply network.”The passage of this bill will make the Commonwealth a leader in energy conservation and efficiency, particularly in the production of renewables,” said Senator Steven C. Panagiotakos (D-Lowell), chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The bill does not get us to our ultimate goal of fully-efficient energy, but it does allow us to make substantial gains down the field. Looking forward there is still a lot of work and a lot of collaboration to be done.”The GREEN Act establishes new energy efficiency standards by requiring distribution companies to obtain energy supplies using the method that costs the least. Known as “least-cost procurement,” this change makes energy efficiency, which is two-thirds cheaper than building new power, compete favorably with new power generation. It will also help limit and reduce energy consumption.For consumers, this reform seeks to level the playing field between utilities and ratepayers by strengthening the Attorney General’s power to act on behalf of ratepayers.”I expect this bill to be a principal initiative in the Senate to move forward with renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind, as well as other forms that will help reduce rising energy costs and promote efficiency and conservation,” said Senator Michael Morrissey (D-Quincy), chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy and a lead drafter of the bill.The legislation also mandates improved quality of service from power companies operating in the Commonwealth, and increased customer awareness of competitive energy suppliers in their area. Additionally, it focuses on promoting the utilization of energy efficiency, renewable energy and other strategies for communities by establishing a “Green Communities” program.