Bill > S2829

This bill aims to upgrade the electric grid and protect ratepayers in the Commonwealth. Key provisions include: - Expanding the duties of the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) to consider energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental justice when reviewing energy infrastructure projects. - Establishing an Office of Environmental Justice and Equity within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to develop standards for community benefit plans, cumulative impact analyses, and site suitability guidance for energy projects. - Streamlining the siting and permitting processes for large and small clean energy infrastructure projects through consolidated permitting by the EFSB. - Enhancing participation and funding for intervenors in DPU and EFSB proceedings through an Intervenor Support Fund. - Expanding low-income and moderate-income utility customer discounts and prohibiting individual residential retail electricity supply contracts after 2026. - Promoting deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and requiring gas companies to file accelerated gas infrastructure replacement plans. The bill aims to balance reliability, affordability, and environmental goals as the Commonwealth transitions its energy system.

Senate Committee on Ways and Means (Senate)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2829