Bill > S2230

This bill aims to reduce financial penalties for customers who transition to more environmentally friendly technologies like heat pumps, electric appliances, and electric vehicles by modifying several sections of Massachusetts state law. The key provision is a requirement for electric and gas companies to implement income-based fixed charges, which means creating a tiered pricing structure where lower-income ratepayers pay smaller fixed fees compared to higher-income ratepayers. The bill mandates that companies file rate schedules that advance greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, mitigate impacts on lower-income customers, and increasingly use income-based fixed charges to recover a substantial portion of their fixed operational costs. Additionally, the legislation requires electric companies to file new rate schedules within 12 months and directs the Department of Public Utilities to approve compliant rates within 20 months. The bill also maintains existing requirements for funding energy efficiency programs, renewable energy development, and clean energy workforce initiatives, with specific allocations for low-income programs and transfers to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. By restructuring how utility charges are assessed, the bill seeks to make the transition to cleaner technologies more financially accessible and equitable across different income levels.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2230