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MASSACHUSETTS BECOMES NATIONAL LEADER IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Heralding a new era in energy efficiency across Massachusetts, the state Department of Public Utilities (“DPU”) on January 29, 2010 gave final approval to the Cape Light Compact’s exceptional energy efficiency plan. The Compact, represented by BCK Law, P. C., received approval of its three-year agenda of innovative, customer-focused programs that will deliver unprecedented savings for consumers, the economy and the environment. Its plan, along with the new statewide energy efficiency plan, was crafted in response to the Green Communities Act of 2008 and is the result of a yearlong process that involved 25 Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meetings and the collaborative effort of a wide range of energy, environment, business, consumer and governmental stakeholders.

The Compact is an inter-municipal organization authorized by the 21 towns and two counties on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. The Compact’s mission is to serve its 200,000 customers through the delivery of proven energy efficiency programs, effective consumer advocacy, competitive electricity supply and green power options. The Compact will be offering all newly approved statewide programs, as well as certain enhancements and progressive pilots unique to the Compact. The plan includes programs that will offer improved energy assessments of Compact members’ homes and businesses, and incentives for the purchase and installation of high efficiency products. In addition, the Compact will bolster its award-winning energy education programs.

The Compact’s programs will be responsible for saving over 1.2 million megawatt-hours of electricity and for removing more than 400,000 short tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – the equivalent of taking 70,000 cars off the road. While achieving these goals the Compact will save its members more than $3 for every dollar spent on efficiency measures resulting in lifetime benefits worth nearly $300 million.

Before issuing its approval of the plans, the Department held a series of public evidentiary hearings during a 90-day review period. BCK Law, P. C. worked closely with the Compact to develop its unique plan, supported it throughout months of design negotiations, and successfully represented the Compact during the Department’s extensive proceedings. Firm senior attorney Jo Ann Bodemer led a team with three other Firm lawyers, paralegals and advisors that worked with Compact personnel and consultants from Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. to formulate and present the Compact’s plan. During the Department’s evidentiary hearings Compact Energy Efficiency Program Manager Kevin F. Galligan ably testified in support of the ground-breaking initiative.

For more information and a copy of the Cape Light Compact’s Three-year Energy Efficiency Plan, please visit www.capelightcompact.org. In addition, the full text of the Department’s decision is available at www.mass.gov/dpu.