MA Senate to Resume Work on Energy Cost Bill

The Massachusetts Senate is planning to renew work on a wide-ranging bill aimed at controlling energy costs in the state while also promoting the growth of renewable power sources.  WAMC's Tristan O'Neill reports...

Senators considered about 30 amendments to the bill last week before putting off further debate until Thursday.

The measure, backed by Senate leaders, includes a provision that would require utilities to purchase at least 7 percent of their total energy supplies from renewable sources, up from the current 3 percent. But utilities would also have a lower guaranteed investment return from renewable energy contracts.

The bill would also allow for more frequent review by state regulators of utility rate requests.

Supporters of the legislation say businesses have frequently cited high energy costs as one of their biggest obstacles in Massachusetts.

Tristan O'Neill, WAMC News. 

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