Why the Energy Grid Isn’t Ready for the MA Clean Heat Standard
If you live in Western Massachusetts, you’ve probably heard about the MA Clean Heat Standard. This radical climate policy from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is part of a push to meet the emissions limit for residential, commercial, and industrial heating. It is not a bill, meaning it does not need to pass through the legislative process. Despite being low carbon and readily available to help achieve environmental goals, Bioheat® fuel, and propane gas are not supported in this policy—but our energy grid here in Massachusetts simply cannot handle every home in the state switching to electric heat. Keep reading this blog to learn about this huge downside to the MA Clean Heat Standard, and what you can do to help keep your energy choice!
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Top Reasons Why the MA Energy Grid Isn’t Ready for Total Electrification
Implementation of the MA Clean Heat Standard spells trouble for our energy grid here in Massachusetts. Our electric grid relies heavily on fossil fuels, with close to 70% of support coming from natural gas, coal, and fuel oil. It’s simply not strong enough to shoulder the burden of powering the entire state’s energy demand on its own. Additionally, our energy grid has faced challenges in extremely cold temperatures, which are common in our state. As a MA homeowner or business owner, you can expect the grid would not perform well when temperatures dip below freezing. Lastly, implementation of the Clean Heat Standard would remove your access to propane as a backup power source, meaning you will be left in the cold if your electric equipment fails.
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Low-Carbon Propane & Bioheat® Fuel Can Help with Climate Goals Now
We at FSi Oil and Propane believe that MassDEP and your state representatives should not be deciding the type of energy you use in your home, nor should they be removing fuel sources like propane and Bioheat® fuel that contribute to decarbonization efforts right now. In response to the Clean Heat Standard, we are calling on all MA residents to contact their government officials to let them know you want to continue to have energy choices and lower energy bills. Contact your representatives today and let them know you are opposed to the Clean Heat Standard becoming a policy in Massachusetts without the inclusion of low-carbon Bioheat® fuel and propane.