By Bob Katzen

Senate 19-20, barely rejected an amendment that supporters said would end ratepayer-backed subsidies for new gas line extension allowances. They noted that the current system allows utilities to distort the market and undermine competition by charging ratepayers for costly new gas connection infrastructure, which ratepayers pay for decades in their utility bills. They argued that ending these subsidies will help reduce costs for ratepayers while allowing lower-cost clean energy alternatives to compete on a level playing field, including electrifying the grid in new neighborhoods, and the use of heat pumps and solar panels in homes.

“I voted for this amendment because if Massachusetts is really serious about meeting its carbon emissions reductions goals, while also delivering long-term energy savings to residents, we need more tools in the toolbox to end the continued expansion of costly gas infrastructure, which we all pay for decades,” said Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). “I do not support subsidizing utility companies to maintain the status quo, while climate change continues to bring weather extremes, infrastructure damage and ever-rising electric bills to Massachusetts residents.”

“The bill contains provisions that should produce significant energy cost savings for residents,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “I voted against the amendment to ensure that the commonwealth will build all new types of housing, including affordable housing, as part of an overall approach that balances mitigating the effects of climate change on the one hand and incentivizing needed residential development on the other.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes