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Senate passes revised renewable energy standard after hours of debate; JFO predicts modest rate impact
Summary
The Senate passed H289, revising the state27s renewable energy standard to accelerate in-state new renewables and create regional buying options; the Joint Fiscal Office estimated cumulative ratepayer costs of $150M–$450M (FY25–35) and annual bill impacts in modeling of roughly 2.2%–6.7% by 2035. Supporters said the bill balances affordability and emissions reductions; opponents urged protections for low-income ratepayers.
Senator Madison, reporting for the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee, summarized the bill as a revision of the state27s renewable energy standard to expand in‑state generation targets, add a regional "new renewable" category and create reporting and cost‑control mechanisms to manage implementation. "This puts us on the pathway to a 100% renewable energy by 2035," the reporter said, framing the bill as a staged path toward deeper decarbonization while keeping cost oversight in place.
Why it matters: The bill changes how utilities meet clean‑energy requirements and how the state counts new renewable supplies. Proponents argued it will reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel generation on the New England grid and create more predictable, long‑term electricity prices by emphasizing fixed‑price renewable contracts. Opponents cautioned that while the Joint Fiscal Office (JFO) modeled a range of outcomes, the upper bound of that modeling could produce nontrivial rate increases and urged additional low‑income protections.
What the…
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