Massachusetts

Geothermal

Networked geothermal advocates optimistic despite Massachusetts setback

Thermal energy networks are catching on in the state and around the country as a way to transition off gas and lower energy costs.

By Sarah Shemkus . 13 February 2025
EV charging

Massachusetts AG calls out utilities for lackluster EV charging plans

A 2022 law requires Eversource and National Grid to offer a lower, off-peak electric vehicle charging rate, but critics say the proposals won’t save customers money.

By Sarah Shemkus . 7 February 2025
ENN

Physicians group warns against propping up biodiesel as part of Massachusetts’ clean heat transition

Biofuel backers say it could replace fuel oil in existing heating systems, but critics say the lower-carbon alternative still comes with plenty of air pollution and public health impacts compared to heat pumps.

By Sarah Shemkus . 6 January 2025
ENN

Department of Energy funding to boost community-led geothermal projects

Chicago and Boston nonprofits focused on an equitable transition from fossil fuels are among the five recipients.

By Audrey Henderson . 20 December 2024
ENN

Plan to expand airport for private jets runs into new Massachusetts climate law

Climate advocates say an expansion of Hanscom Field will add to the state’s climate emissions and mostly benefit the very wealthy. A new state law will force decisionmakers to consider the impact.

By Sarah Shemkus . 18 December 2024
ENN

Commentary: Trump may struggle to repeal this IRA provision; Massachusetts should use it

The "Direct Pay" provision in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a game-changer for municipalities, state and local governments, and other tax-exempt entities to access federal clean energy tax credits.

By Daksh Arora . 6 December 2024
ENN

As climate focus shifts to states, East Coast partnership offers model for multi-state collaboration

After 20 years, the 11-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative “has weathered the political winds” and is conducting a program review that includes finding ways to expand participation.

By Sarah Shemkus . 3 December 2024
ENN

Massachusetts legislation looks to remove barriers to the state’s shift from natural gas

Under a bill that has already cleared the state Senate, gas utilities and regulators would get new powers to offer customers “something else” such as heat from networked geothermal.

By Sarah Shemkus . 4 November 2024
Batteries

A Massachusetts town uses batteries to help its grid — and its schools

Batteries can serve double-duty, shoring up the grid and providing backup to buildings when the power goes out. This project shows how.

By Jeff St. John . 7 October 2024
Heat pumps

Mass. regulator orders National Grid to set lower winter rate for heat pumps

The decision instructs the state’s second-largest utility to develop a more affordable wintertime electricity rate for customers who have a heat pump.

By Sarah Shemkus . 4 October 2024