Massachusetts
Use of Auction Proceeds for Consumer Benefit Programs
Massachusetts, through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), has developed a plan for the distribution of RGGI auction proceeds to a range of consumer benefit programs, with the largest distribution going to utility-administered energy efficiency programs.
More than $28 million in revenue from the two auctions held in 2008 has been allocated to the following programs:
- Green Communities Program start-up and Green Communities Program Grants for cities and towns ($10 million)
- Ramp-up of utility-administered energy efficiency programs ($5.9 million), as required to support the Green Communities Act.
- Assistance to municipalities for energy efficiency projects identified in DOER audits, but previously unfunded ($2.7 million)
- Heating system replacements in low-income households, through DHCD's HeartWAP program ($4 million)
- Workforce development and training programs focused on energy efficiency for homes, businesses and public buildings ($1.9 million for the Energy Efficiency Skills and Innovation Initiative), as well as seed grants and other support for innovative delivery models that will allow the energy efficiency industry to reach a new level of capacity ($3 million)
- Very small portions of the above amounts may also be used to fund administration of the programs, e.g., Green Communities Program start-up
Revenue from the auctions occurring in 2009 is expected to be dedicated to utility-administered energy efficiency programs, as directed by the Chapter 169: An Act Relative to Green Communities (the Green Communities Act). For more information on Massachusetts use of auction proceeds, please see:
For general information on Massachusetts' participation in RGGI please consult state regulations and state press releases on the use of auction proceeds.
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