Acadia Center
Coverage of Acadia Center in the Nexus archive.
- Here are the strong elements of House and Senate energy legislation that should be included in the final bill
The House and Senate energy bills in Massachusetts aim to improve energy affordability and address climate change through measures like preserving the Mass Save budget and reforming natural gas infrastructure programs. The Senate version retains funding for Mass Save, a program shown to deliver economic and environmental benefits, while the House proposes cuts. Key differences include GSEP reform in the Senate, which could save $1.46 billion by avoiding over-investment in natural gas, and the House's push to reverse nuclear power restrictions.
- Is New England’s new hydropower transmission line paying off?
The New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission line, operational since January, has delivered only marginal increases in hydropower to the region, with 27 days of zero power flow in its first six months. The project, part of a 2016 Massachusetts law requiring renewable energy procurement, faces challenges as current hydropower imports may fall below previous levels, compounded by the new Champlain Hudson Power Express line diverting Canadian supply.
- Two-week pause of Canadian hydropower exposes frailty of Mass. plan to wean off natural gas
Massachusetts faces energy challenges as the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) hydropower transmission line from Canada experienced a two-week technical outage, and the Vineyard Wind project is operating below half its capacity due to litigation with GE Vernova. These issues coincide with rising summer electricity demand and increased reliance on natural gas.