What Are the Downsides of 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. This means electrification and heat pumps will be forced on MA residents instead of the liquid heating fuel you know and love. Keep reading to learn about the downsides of the MA Clean Heat Standard, and what you can do to help keep your energy choice!

Related Post: How Soon Will the MA Clean Heat Standard Take Effect?

Downsides to the MA Clean Heat Standard

Unfortunately, implementation of the Clean Heat Standard will dramatically affect homeowners and business owners in Massachusetts who are currently using Bioheat® fuel or propane to heat their properties. As the policy aims to encourage widespread electrification, availability of and support for Bioheat® fuel and propane will decrease steadily. It will also “tax” your fuel, but they are not calling it a tax. In addition, you will experience various downsides to relying on electricity and heat pumps for your primary source of heat:

• The Massachusetts electric grid relies heavily on fossil fuels with close to 70% of support coming from natural gas, coal, and fuel oil. It is not strong enough to shoulder the burden of powering the entire state’s energy demand on its own.
• The grid has faced challenges in extremely cold temperatures, which are common in our state. You can expect the grid will not perform well when temperatures dip below freezing.
• In addition, heat pumps can cost tens of thousands of dollars to install in each property.
• Your investment won’t last very long, as heat pumps have a low life expectancy and will likely need replacing before you move out of your home.
• The state has few qualified and licensed technicians to perform service, which means delays in repairs when the heat goes out.
• Currently, manufacturers do not support these systems with readily available parts, causing further delays in heat restoration.
• 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.

Related Post: Why Propane & Bioheat® Fuel Should Be Part of the MA Clean Heat Standard

Bioheat® Fuel & Propane Should be a Part of the Clean Energy Solution

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 an energy choice and lower energy bills. We 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 that contribute to decarbonization efforts. Your voice needs to be heard! You must act now. Contact your representatives today and let them know you are opposed to the Clean Heat Standard becoming policy in Massachusetts without the inclusion of low carbon Bioheat® fuel and propane.