What the MA Clean Heat Standard Means for Massachusetts Residents
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news recently, you’ve likely heard discussion about the Clean Heat Standard proposed for Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. This climate activism, designed to contribute to the Massachusetts Clean Energy & Climate Plan for 2025 and 2030, is a regulatory option for meeting the emissions limit for what is defined as the “thermal sector.” But it’s not all butterflies and rainbows—this blog post will delve into the negative impacts you will see if the Clean Heat Standard becomes policy statewide.
Downsides to the Clean Heat Standard
Unfortunately, enactment of the Clean Heat Standard will dramatically affect homeowners and business owners in Massachusetts who are currently using heating oil and even its renewable blends like Bioheat® fuel. Consumer choices will be limited if the Clean Heat Standard is enacted, and reporting requirements will involve accounting and auditing of the happenings inside homes and buildings. This type of reporting would publicize contracts between fuel suppliers and homeowners, sharing personal information that you may prefer to keep private.
In addition, as the program aims to encourage widespread electrification, availability of and support for heating oil and other delivered fuels will decrease steadily in conjunction with the movement’s momentum. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection finds current crop-based biofuels ineligible for contributions to clean energy, unlike a variety of other states who recognize biofuels’ contribution to climate activism.
A Great Loss for Heating Oil Customers
A switch to total electrification would be a great loss for more than half a million homeowners in the state of Massachusetts. As a reminder, many people love the use of heating oil and Bioheat® blends for the following reasons:
- Oil is delivered, stored-on-site fuel that does not rely on the electrical grid
- Oil is provided and supported by locally owned, family-run businesses like PayLessForOil.com
- Oil offers affordable, reliable heat that you can trust
- Your current heating equipment runs on fuel oil and would need to be converted to electricity, costing you tens of thousands of dollars.
All of these benefits would be lost if the Clean Heat Standard was imposed statewide. What’s worse? The Clean Heat Standard doesn’t need to pass legislation. There is no “law” to be voted on. The state is just trying to implement it without any voter input.
The Clean Heat Standard’s restriction of fuel diversity will impact consumers in measurable ways. Bioheat® fuel users win out when energy companies and fuel sources compete—that competition encourages innovation and promotes price competition, both of which directly benefit you as the consumer. Removing the competition aspect from energy supply will mean that electricity companies can do whatever they want, with consumers having no choice but to comply with the business practices and pricing the companies decide on.
What Does This Mean for You?
Until the Clean Heat Standard is enacted, you can still purchase home heating fuel and run your HVAC equipment as you always have. If the bill is enacted statewide, things may change significantly. Know that whatever may occur, we will keep you informed and provide you with all the information you need to keep your Massachusetts property safe and warm as times change.
How Can You Voice Your Opposition of the MA Clean Heat Standard?
If you feel passionate about retaining your freedom when it comes to your energy choice, you must act now. Here’s what you can do right now to fight back about the MA Clean Heat Standard:
- Contact your local state representatives to let them know you are opposed to the Clean Heat Standard. You can find a list of representatives by county here.
- Contact the Massachusetts Governors’ office to voice your opposition to the CHS. You can find contact information here.
Don’t wait, because the Clean Heat Standard could be enacted soon if people don’t speak up about why they would prefer to keep their existing energy choice.
