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March 2023

In the March edition of Acadia Center’s newsletter, we dive into the energy price spikes that impacted the Northeast this winter, and how fossil fuel reliance exposes consumers to astronomical bill increases and worsening climate change. We cover Connecticut’s Hydrogen Task Force study, which Acadia Center is heavily involved in, and explain why hydrogen’s best use is in hard-to-electrify sectors of the economy. Lastly, we explore the exciting new wind roadmap Governor Mills of Maine has just released, which shows great promise for job creation, economic growth, and pioneering a clean energy future for the state. We’re excited to share our latest and greatest and thank you for taking the time to check out our work.

Connecticut Releases Hydrogen Task Force Study: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

By Ben Butterworth

In January, the Connecticut Hydrogen Task Force released its report with recommendations on hydrogen-fueled energy in the state. The Task Force was established to examine the sources of potential clean hydrogen and recommendations for potential end uses of hydrogen-fueled energy. Acadia Center has been heavily involved in the stakeholder process informing the development of the report, including sitting on the End Uses Working Group. To read more about Acadia Center’s involvement on this Task Force, click here.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

by Amy Boyd

As many may recall, on Christmas Eve of 2022, the Northeast was experiencing a brutal artic blast. While the grid fared reasonably well, power plants in the region and other parts of the nation did not. The storm caused many mechanical failures in power plants, which spiked energy prices on Christmas Eve from the normal $100/MWh to over $2,800/MWh. This price spike highlights how overdependence on fossil fuels does not provide reliable service they claimed to, at least not at the prices any consumer could be asked to tolerate. To learn more about increasing winter reliability and the role clean energy plays in keeping the lights on during the brutal Northeast winter months, click here.

Exciting Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap Released Today by Governor Mills’ Energy Office

by Peter LaFond

Maine has announced a new plan to harness offshore wind that is doubly exciting and promising, both for addressing climate change and taking advantage of an economic opportunity that only comes along once in a generation. Offshore wind has the potential to become one of Maine’s leading industries, providing jobs to laborers, engineers, electricians, constructions experts, and more. Acadia Center is dedicated to using its expertise to promote clean, efficient energy now and in the future. We welcome the commitment Maine has made to promote its abundant offshore wind resource, evidenced by this Roadmap to achieving the goal of harnessing offshore wind. To find out more about this new roadmap and Acadia Center’s involvement, click here.

‘Green Hydrogen’ Would Squander Renewable Energy Resources in Massachusetts
Ben Butterworth, Director, Climate, Energy and Equity Analysis (CLEAN-E), quoted in Inside Climate News

A utility plan to replace gas with climate-friendly fuels is deeply flawed, according to new report
Ben Butterworth, Director, Climate, Energy and Equity Analysis (CLEAN-E), quoted in The Boston Globe

My Turn: Paying too much for energy? We agree
Acadia Center cited in The Greenfield Recorder

Heat pumps had their first major local test last weekend. Here’s how it went.
Ben Butterworth, Director, Climate, Energy and Equity Analysis (CLEAN-E), quoted in The Boston Globe

Why a ‘temporary’ Portsmouth LNG site is expected to remain for another decade
Hank Webster, former Senior Policy Advocate and Rhode Island Director, quoted in Newport Daily News

Massachusetts energy efficiency programs should shift focus to emissions, critics say
Amy Boyd, Vice President, Climate & Clean Energy Policy, quoted in Energy News Network

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