Across Massachusetts, customers and legislators are frustrated and angry at the companies that deliver gas to heat our homes and cook our food. The companies, such as National Grid and Eversource, are using millions of dollars to replace old or leaking pipes with new ones, locking in customers even though it would be significantly cheaper to repair the leaks. Moreover, the gas companies keep their plans secret, which gives the companies too much leverage.
In a conversation with members of the Newton node of 350 Mass, State Representative Greg Schwartz asked them to make a short video about this dilemma. The video “Pricey Pipes” is designed to help persuade city and state officials to support legislation to lower energy costs and to facilitate the transition away from gas to clean energy.
In the video, we see Newton City Councilor Alison Leary testifying on Beacon Hill, “I just cannot stress enough how important these bills are for the city, and in fact all communities…”
As one gas customer says, “The big picture is we need to go to a clean energy economy.”
The video was produced by members of the Newton node of 350 Mass Peter Barrer and Ron Blau, hosted by Lindsey Gulden, with graphics by Kathy Pillsbury. Take a look and pass it along to friends, neighbors, and elected officials!