Energy efficiency program skimmed to deliver utility rate relief

Massachusetts residents could be in line for relief from high utility bills after regulators halved a potential budget increase for an energy efficiency program, but environmental groups are concerned the savings amount to “cutting your nose to spite your face.”

The Department of Public Utilities on Friday approved a three-year plan for Mass Save that funds the program at $4.5 billion rather than the $5 billion that was sought, which Gov. Maura Healey said “will mean real savings for people.”

The Beyond Gas coalition — which includes the Conservation Law Foundation, Sierra Club Massachusetts and the Acadia Center among its members — called for policymakers to focus instead on reining in utility spending on infrastructure projects.

“Paring back energy efficiency programs designed to reduce energy consumption at a time when Massachusetts residents are facing skyrocketing utility bills is like cutting your nose to spite your face,” the coalition said. “Since its inception in 2010, Mass Save has delivered more than $37 billion in benefits to consumers statewide through better insulation, weatherization, energy efficiency, and helping residents upgrade to efficient electric equipment.”

To read the full article from State House News, click here.