Although we’ve turned the corner into meteorological spring, homeowners and renters across Massachusetts still must brace for the last vestige of winter – that dreaded utility bill.
That’s something they’ve paid close attention to over the past several months, since aside from a mortgage or rent, it’s likely the largest monthly expense they face.
Those concerns represent one of the main themes of a new poll commissioned by the Massachusetts Chambers Policy Network, an organization of state chambers of commerce.
The Suffolk University survey of 500 state residents, conducted Jan. 31 through Feb. 5, took the pulse of consumers trying to cope with these budget-busting utility bills.
So, it’s not surprising that the poll found that energy affordability has emerged as the leading household concern for Massachusetts residents. Specifically, utility costs outrank health care, groceries, housing, and transportation for survey respondents.
Most polled expressed support for climate goals and clean energy initiatives, but only if they result in minimal increases to their utility bills. Nearly three in 10 respondents won’t get behind climate goals if they lead to an increase in household energy costs, highlighting the priority of energy affordability for some respondents.
When asked how Massachusetts should meet future energy needs, most residents favored an “all of the above” energy-mix approach. More than half support pursuing new energy resources across multiple fuel types, while fewer favor either clean-energy-only strategies or no new energy development.
Even climate-focused groups remain split on the issue.
Among Democrats, liberals, and those who see climate change as mainly human-caused, opinions are nearly evenly divided between endorsing an “all of the above” energy strategy and favoring clean energy only, reflecting nuanced views within pro-climate groups.
Those surveyed lay most of the blame for high energy costs on energy suppliers and public policy decisions, rather than the lack of infrastructure investments or weather-related factors.
It’s clear that those polled prioritize current needs – like affordability and customer assistance – over the state’s aspirational climate goals. Providing energy at the lowest possible cost and supporting financial assistance programs are most frequently cited as top priorities, while addressing climate goals ranks last.
Belatedly, our executive and legislative branches of state government have gotten the message on burdensome energy costs.
Late last month the House passed “An Act Relative to Energy Affordability, Clean Power, and Economic Competitiveness,” a major energy-affordability bill aimed at reducing utility costs by over $9 billion for ratepayers over the next decade.
The legislation focuses on diversifying energy sources, speeding up solar permitting, includes a one-time funding cut to the Mass Save energy efficiency program to lower bills, and ratepayer refunds of 70% of alternative compliance payments to ratepayers – penalties paid by retail electricity suppliers when they fail to meet state-mandated Renewable Portfolio Standard requirements.
It appears that the state’s beleaguered energy customers finally have a say in establishing a balance between reasonable rates and paying for a cleaner energy future.
Sentinel and Enterprise
