High electricity prices could slow heat pump adoption in Massachusetts

ELECTRIFICATION: Massachusetts could have a hard time reaching its goals for heat pump adoption, as the state’s high electricity prices make operating the systems too costly for many households. (Boston Globe)

GRID: New England states’ ambitious agreement to modernize regional transmission systems could be at risk as President-elect Trump takes office. (CT Mirror)

CLIMATE:

• In his final year in office, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy continues to push for clean energy, directing money to get electric trucks on the road and pursuing offshore wind goals. (RTO Insider, subscription)
• Vermont Gov. Phil Scott plans to slow the state’s transition away from fossil fuels, saying current target dates are unrealistic and the costs too high for residents. (Boston Globe)

OFFSHORE WIND:

• Massachusetts and Rhode Island both extend their deadline for finalizing certain offshore wind contracts until the end of March, as the two states pursue a ​“pioneering” multi-state procurement plan. (E&E News, subscription; Providence Journal)
• Massachusetts will continue its efforts to develop an ocean energy innovation center in New Bedford, despite looming federal threats to offshore wind and local opposition to the specific site. (Standard-Times)
• On Cape Cod, U.S. legislators, state lawmakers, and environmental advocates declare their intentions to fight against Trump’s plans to stop offshore wind development. (Cape Cod Times)

CLEAN HEAT: Vermont regulators release proposed rules for a plan to move the state’s heating systems off fossil fuels, but also recommend against adopting the program, saying it would add complex new regulations that could disrupt existing programs. (Vermont Public)

TRANSPORTATION: School buses in New York City are getting kids to school on time more easily and often since congestion pricing went into effect, one bus company reports. (Streetsblog)

EFFICIENCY:

• A Massachusetts suburb drafts rules requiring buildings to reduce their carbon emissions, modeling the plan on a similar ordinance in Boston. (Watertown News)
• A Massachusetts company moves toward commercialization of a new technology for highly efficient windows, installing key new manufacturing equipment. (news release)
• Two New Hampshire towns launch a program to help residents access money to pay for energy efficiency upgrades like weatherization and electric heat pumps. (NHPR)

AFFORDABILITY: Connecticut state legislators file a ​“barrage” of bills aimed at lowering and stabilizing energy costs in the state, which has some of the highest electricity prices in the country. (CT Mirror)