MA’s New Fossil Fuel Ban
It’s no secret that MA electricity is expensive. Especially with electricity rates rising across the board. But MA lawmakers have unveiled a fossil fuel ban. The idea is to cut New England’s reliance on natural gas fired generators and to meet its clean energy goals. So, let’s look at how MA’s fossil fuel ban on could affect you.
What MA Fossil Fuel Ban Does
At first glance, the ban rolls back natural gas in new building construction. However, new buildings can be built with natural gas heat and appliances but the new rules require them to be pre-wired to swap over to electric systems later on. Ten MA towns and cities have signed up to spearhead a demonstration program to study how the ban affects gas phaseout and affordable housing.
In addition, officials would create “net-zero” building codes for cities and town to voluntarily adopt. These codes would require new residences to meet solar panel generation minimums. Additionally, all residences would have electric vehicle chargers.
Why Ban Fossil Fuel
New England states depend on natural gas to generate over half of the region’s electricity. That means that natural gas market prices have a huge influence on MA electricity rates.
Last Autumn, an FERC forum outlined this relationship. It explored how factors, including pipeline constraints, have caused prices to rise. And MA customers don’t have to look hard to see it. Throughout New England, utility company rates have been higher than normal this year. For example, Eversource’s basic supply rate rose by 42%. While, National Grid’s rates rose by a staggering 300% in November.
All the same, MA lawmakers can’t do much to change high electricity rates. However, a fossil fuel ban could sidestep the natural gas market prices. Because of this, electricity could become cheaper.
MA Clean Energy Market
Recently, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) also proposed a clean energy market. If implemented, it would provide a place for states to meet clean energy goals. It provides incentives for meeting demand. The program also has backup systems in place. That way, companies can meet demands and customers won’t be left without power. In effect, it makes it easier to move away from natural gas generators. Best of all, it could make natural gas bans even easier to roll out.
MA’s Post Ban Future
It is hard to predict where MA will be in 2030. But the ban is a strong step towards net-zero goals. The results could prove that going all-electric is possible. And that could lead to lower prices.
You can learn more the energy industry in Massachusetts as well as how to shop electricity rates and plans at https://www.maenergyratings.com.