Charlie Baker bill would jolt Mass. use of hydropower

[unhappycamper]

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2015/07/charlie_baker_bill_would_jolt_mass_use_of_hydropower

Charlie Baker bill would jolt Mass. use of hydropower
Friday, July 10, 2015
Jordan Graham

Gov. Charlie Baker has filed a bill that would help bring hydropower to Massachusetts in an attempt to address spiking energy prices and reduce carbon emissions.

“This legislation is critical to reducing our carbon footprint, meeting the goals of the Global Warming Solutions Act and protecting ratepayers already stuck by sky-high energy prices,” Baker said in a statement.

The bill would require utilities to work with the state to get long-term contracts for the generation and delivery of electricity from hydropower. It would also allow the state to collaborate with neighbors including Connecticut and Rhode for joint power purchase agreements.

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton said adding hydropower will be critical for hitting the state’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2020.