Critics are charging that the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is hindering the prospects for low-income communities to save money on energy via community solar projects and other energy efficiency measures that benefit the climate.
According to a report in the Boston Globe, critics say about 20,000 low-income households could be getting solar energy credits that would save them money, but bureaucratic inertia at the state agency is holding back progress. The agency cited the need for additional layers of approval that will take an indeterminate amount of time to work through.
The state’s Energy and Environment Agency, which oversees the DPU, says the department faces limits set by existing statutes, and needs to move ahead cautiously as it sets a template for renewable projects. The DPU logjams may need to be resolved either by the state legislature or by the state’s highest court, the Globe reported.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2016
Construction firms pulling back from federal market due to new reporting rules
‘Subjective, very vague’ policies are said to create too much risk.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Airbnb presents legal liability for multifamily owners
How building owners can reduce risks.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Healthy buildings becoming a key design priority for both architects and building owners
Nationwide survey finds nearly three of four architects cite health impacts influencing design decisions
Data Centers | Sep 19, 2016
New ANSI/ASHRAE data center standard is performance-based, more flexible
The aim of the standard was to ‘not stifle innovation.’
Codes and Standards | Sep 16, 2016
Calm weather tidal flooding impacting several communities on East and Gulf Coasts
Local officials face the prospect of costly mitigation projects.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2016
OSHA appoints new director for its construction directorate
The forty-year industry veteran has been a GC and business owner.
Energy | Sep 13, 2016
Oberlin College to hold conference on post-fossil fuel economy
The gathering will address climate change and new sources of energy.
Industry Research | Sep 12, 2016
Evidence linking classroom design to improved learning mounts
A study finds the impact can be as much as 25% per year.
Legislation | Sep 8, 2016
Half of U.S. states now allow design-build on public projects
Missouri is the latest to enact design-build legislation.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2016
Vapor intrusion risk addressed in new ASTM guide update
The updates address industry confusion over how to handle the issue.