AMHERST What the Clean Heat Standard Means for Massachusetts Residents
As a Massachusetts resident, you’ve likely heard discussion about the Clean Heat Standard proposed by the 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 the thermal sector. But it’s not all it seems to be—this blog post will delve into the negative impacts you will see if the Clean Heat Standard is signed into law.
The Clean Heat Standard’s Drawbacks and Impact
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 DEP 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 Dramatic 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 Surner Heating whose jobs and livelihoods will be threatened
- 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 and investment that could reach tens of thousands of dollars
All of these benefits would be lost if the Clean Heat Standard was imposed statewide. 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.
How the Clean Heat Standard Impacts 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 passes, things may change significantly. Know that whatever may occur, we at Surner Heating will keep you informed and provide you with all the information you need to keep your Massachusetts property safe and warm as times change.
If you feel passionate about retaining your freedom when it comes to your energy choice, you must act now. 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. Don’t wait, because the Clean Heat Standard is likely to be signed into law soon if people don’t speak up about why they would prefer to keep their existing energy choice.
contact your state representatives