Massachusetts AG to Host Summit on Energy Costs, Competitiveness

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has announced an energy summit, to be held May 20, to discuss, among other things, the impact of historically high energy costs on competitive business in Massachusetts.

The energy summit will examine energy costs, discuss utilization of energy efficiency and renewable resources, and look at ideas and technologies that could help Massachusetts’ businesses lower consumption and control costs now and in the future (emphasis added).

Two morning panels will focus on how energy costs impact business’ ability to be competitive, and the successes and challenges they have experienced. In the afternoon, two panels will examine the future of energy costs, including polices and innovative technology and financing solutions for the Commonwealth and the region.

Panel 1: Energy Costs in Massachusetts – the Challenges and the Opportunities

Panel 2: Tackling Energy Costs in Massachusetts – Navigating the Regulatory Landscape Through Examples

Panel 3: Path Forward for Massachusetts – Potential Cost Increases/Cost Cutting Alternatives

Panel 4: Path Forward for Massachusetts – Innovative Ideas and Technologies

"Massachusetts has been a national leader in energy policy, including deregulation for consumers and a renewable energy efficiency investment under the Green Communities Act, yet we still have some of the highest costs in the country," AG Coakley said. "This summit will bring everyone to the table to continue this positive dialogue and establish creative solutions to maintain competitiveness for businesses and drive energy costs down for ratepayers."

The summit will include state officials, Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Commissioner David Cash and Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia. In addition, the Chairmen of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy Senator Benjamin Downing and Representative John Keenan will deliver mid-day remarks.