Eugenia Gibbons of MassEnergy gives us the results of a YouGov poll on energy in Massachusetts — confirmation of what we all expected:
MA residents SUPPORT legislation to ban “pipeline tax”66% of respondents SUPPORT a pipeline tax prohibition. A mere 8% oppose a ban.
…
MA residents favor investments in energy efficiency & renewable resources.70% of respondents believe the state should increase investments in energy efficiency & renewable resources, compared to only 30% who support investing in new gas pipelines and infrastructure.
via Poll shows strong opposition to consumer financing of gas pipelines.
Well you coulda knocked me over with a feather. I figured it was so, but didn’t know how right I was.
If you share the obvious wisdom of the vast majority of your fellow Bay Staters — on the pipeline, efficiency/renewables, and the Renewable Portfolio Standard — it would be nice if you could let your elected officials on Beacon Hill know: 617-722-2000 is the switchboard. Read Eugenia’s post for complete info (see “Take Action”). The House and Senate are taking up the energy bill now.
Andrei Radulescu-Banu says
It is fine to fund infrastructure through an increase in distribution rates – if that’s what you are referring to. The problem, however, comes with distribution rates not being at all transparent.
No consumer really knows or understands what goes in those distribution rates, and whether the infrastructure investments actually make sense.
Karina says
Yes, infrastructure costs routinely get passed on to ratepayers through distribution costs, but what the New England States are going for is a tariff for gas pipeline infrastructure. You would know exactly what you were paying for (but maybe not how much if the pipeline company pulls a maneuver like Spectra did this month on the West Roxbury Lateral/AIM project, where they are trying for a post-FERC approval rate increase), but the problem is that the ratepayers are assuming all the risks with slim to zero say in the projects. It’s a win-win for the pipeline and utility companies at the expense of consumers.
Andrei Radulescu-Banu says
Sorry – I have no idea what infrastructure I am paying for. And I do pay attention to these things. Consider myself quite informed on the matter.