Are Consumer Savings At Risk?
The price for power seems to get higher every year. Luckily, programs like Energy Star help homes and businesses cut costs and save energy. But now, federal officials are planning to reorganize the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and end the Energy Star program. As a result, rate payers could see Massachusetts electric rates rise faster. In turn, that may result in cuts to the MASS SAVE program. But why cut Energy Star, especially since it provides MA consumer savings on energy bills?
What Is Energy Star?
The Department of Energy partnered with the EPA to start the Energy Star program in 1992. The program gives appliances and products a special label if they meet energy efficiency standards. This means that “Energy Star certified” products use less energy and cost less to use than other products. Since 1992, Energy Star has managed to:
- Save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity.
- Cut more than $500 billion in energy costs.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 4 billion metric tons.
Since 2018, Energy Star and their partners have served over 3.1 million MA customers. Over 25,000 homes and 780 buildings have earned the Energy Star. This includes 91 schools, 35 hotels, and 4 hospitals.
In short, Energy Star cuts energy use and saves money.
Consumer Savings If Energy Star Ends
Despite these benefits, efforts to reorganize the EPA include ending federal programs focused on climate change and air quality. An EPA spokesperson told CNN the agency would focus on providing clean air, water, and land to the country.
However, critics argue that this will instead raise energy bills. They point out that without Energy Star labels, it will be harder to find efficient appliances. In turn, this would go against the administration’s promise to cut home energy costs. They also argue that Energy Star has a small budget of $32 million per year. So the benefits more than make up for the costs.
What Can MA Consumers Do?
It’s uncertain right now, but if Energy Star ends, then it will affect the Mass Save program. So start looking into those big energy saving appliances purchases now while the program lasts.
You can also cut your bills by shopping for the best electricity rates right here at https://www.maenergyratings.com. We’re also your source for news and tips that could affect your bills.