Mass Dept of Public Utilities approves three-year energy efficiency plan

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approved its Three‑Year Energy Efficiency Plan for electric and gas distribution companies.

The plan includes energy saving targets via the Mass Save program designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately provide $8 billion in customer benefits.

“The Three‑Year Energy Efficiency Plan is a critical element of Massachusetts’ strategy to meet climate goals set under the Global Warming Solutions Act and reinforces the Commonwealth’s standing as a national leader in energy efficiency,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to achieve environmental benefits while lowering energy costs and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to implement this plan.”

The plan was developed by the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council, which represents a broad spectrum of stakeholder perspectives, including the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Housing and Community Development, low-income advocates, advocates for both large and small businesses, and environmental groups, among others.

“The Department of Public Utilities’ approval of the Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plan will have direct benefits to customers, the environment and the economy,” State Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton said. “Energy efficiency measures are the most cost-effective option for ratepayers to lower their energy bills, providing reduced energy costs for businesses and homeowners while simultaneously helping Massachusetts meet its clean energy and climate goals.”

For the first time, the plan offers incentive programs for fuel switching – targeting oil and propane customers for fuel conversion to more efficient and affordable heating fuels and technologies such as air source heat pumps. It also includes incentives to achieve greater energy efficiency in new construction; scorecards for in-home energy audits that provide information to customers on the benefits of energy efficiency upgrades; LED streetlight conversions; and community outreach strategies to help renters, moderate-income customers, and non‑English speaking customers save on energy costs.

“This plan supports our efforts to not only change how we supply energy but how we use energy as we shift our focus to strategic electrification and reducing peak demand in order to create a cleaner electric grid,” DOER Commissioner Judith Judson said. “These goals call for significant increase in incentives and access to energy efficiency for homes and businesses that will help us achieve a clean, affordable and resilient energy future for all.”

Massachusetts was named the most energy efficient state in the nation by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for eight consecutive years.

“The Three‑Year Energy Efficiency Plan, as approved by the Department, will enable the Commonwealth’s electric and gas distribution companies to deliver energy savings to consumers, and further efforts to reduce the cost of energy for ratepayers, increase energy efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions,” Department of Public Utilities Chairman Angela M. O’Connor said.

continues to build upon its energy efficiency policies and programs, particularly the energy efficiency programs offered by the Commonwealth’s utilities under the Mass Save® brand, for leading by example with state buildings and for implementing a stretch building energy code for towns and cities and promoting combined heat and power for commercial facilities.