Article
Worries about state's energy supply fuel new coalition
The Boston Globe|Mark Jewell, AP Business Writer |January 4, 2006
BOSTON --A statewide coalition including business, labor and energy industry interests has formed in response to worries about rising energy prices and the prospect of electricity shortages in New England.
BOSTON --A statewide coalition including business, labor and energy industry interests has formed in response to worries about rising energy prices and the prospect of electricity shortages in New England.
The Massachusetts Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance, which was announced Wednesday, urges reducing reliance on out-of-state energy sources by expanding generation within Massachusetts, even if new energy plants lead to siting showdowns because of opposition from people living nearby.
"No new power plants are planned in Massachusetts, and it takes at least five years to get a new plant up and running," said Joyce
McMahon, a spokeswoman for the group, which calls itself Mass AREA. "Before it gets to a crisis stage, we need to focus people's attention on this and start finding some solutions to make sure we have adequate power going forward."
Other advocacy groups that emphasize renewable energy sources and conservation share the new …
The Massachusetts Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance, which was announced Wednesday, urges reducing reliance on out-of-state energy sources by expanding generation within Massachusetts, even if new energy plants lead to siting showdowns because of opposition from people living nearby.
"No new power plants are planned in Massachusetts, and it takes at least five years to get a new plant up and running," said Joyce
McMahon, a spokeswoman for the group, which calls itself Mass AREA. "Before it gets to a crisis stage, we need to focus people's attention on this and start finding some solutions to make sure we have adequate power going forward."
Other advocacy groups that emphasize renewable energy sources and conservation share the new organization's concern about potential energy shortages. But they worry that the group's initial membership and statements suggest it may push for electricity generation using fossil fuels or possibly nuclear power at the expense of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
"Clearly, it's a pro-supply side energy organization," said Larry Chretien, director of the nonprofit Massachusetts Energy Consumers Alliance. "I would encourage them to look more at renewable energy and energy efficiency. This state is woefully behind where we could be in those areas."
Mass AREA, modeled after a recently formed state organization in New York, says its agenda includes promoting energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy as part of "a balanced portfolio" of cost-effective energy sources.
In November, ISO New England Inc., the Holyoke-based manager of the region's power grid, warned about possible rolling blackouts or other less-severe steps in a cold snap. Most of the region's electricity continues to be generated from fossil fuels, with increasing reliance on natural gas that can both heat homes and generate electricity.
Mass AREA's initial membership stands at 23, including labor organizations, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and energy companies Duke Energy Corp. and Entergy Corp.
The group warns that New England energy projects are stalled because of public policy gridlock.
"For far too long, the mantra of special interests has been 'not-in-my-backyard,'" said Robert Hallisey, a founding member of the group and a retired Massachusetts Department of Health official. "These NIMBY activists have had undue influence in the state when it comes to debating new energy projects."
McMahon, the Mass AREA spokeswoman, said the group continues to recruit members.
One group absent from Mass AREA's initial membership is the developer of the Cape Wind turbine project in Nantucket Sound that has yet to receive government approval.
"While we have just learned of this new group, certainly it will be helpful for the public to hear more about the electric supply shortage in New England and the need for new and clean power projects," Cape Wind spokesman Mark Rodgers said.