The Governor’s Energy Affordability legislation proposes several significant changes in the operation of the Mass Save program. It does not specify changes in the most visible and customer centric parts of the program. Moreover, additional changes in Mass Save are needed to streamline the program, increase customer focus and make it easier for homeowners and tenants to take advantage of the program and reduce their energy bills. These additional changes are included in a bill already on file with the TUE committee – An Act Relevant to Mass Save assessments, S2247 (Senator Creem) and H 3565 (Representative Sangiolo) As the benefits of this act will begin to flow through to customers immediately, it should be included in a near term package of reforms to help ratepayers save money on their utility bills.
Mass Save is the largest and most visible aspect of the Commonwealth’s programs to save ratepayers money and assist them in decarbonizing their buildings. The governor’s Energy Affordability legislation modifies the description of Mass Save’s mission to include decarbonization. It unifies Mass Save delivery in the hands of the electric companies, rather than perpetuate the current complex arrangement of gas and electric companies implementing different parts of the program. However, it maintains the requirements for customer information and care.
The Creem/Sangiolo bill requires recommendations that include all available measures and incentives as an integrated package that takes full advantage of existing incentives and is customized to reduce the cost of energy for the customer.
The legislation incorporates requirements for regular reporting to the legislature the progress being made by the program administrators in reaching efficiency, decarbonization and equity goals.
The legislation also requires Mass Save to provide ongoing technical advice and contractor management services to customers pursuing a multi-step energy efficiency or decarbonization development plan. At present customers receive such support for the insulation phase of an efficiency or decarbonization project, but then may be left on their own to navigate a maze of contractors and advice, with no objective advice or support.
Finally the legislation requires that Mass Save provide a list of vetted and quality assured contractors capable of implementing the full range of recommendations. Some home performance contractors have these capabilities.
The legislation on file (S2247 and H 3565) addresses these issues in language that is mandatory, but leaves implementation and determination of specifics to the recommendations of the program implementers with oversight and final approval remaining with the Department of Public Utilities.