Vermont Gas Offers Pandemic Debt Relief; MA Boosts Offshore Wind Training & Transit Budgets
Vermont Gas Systems customers can now apply for grants to clear pandemic-era utility debts in the United States. Meanwhile, Massachusetts is expanding its offshore wind training facilities and boosting regional transit budgets. Elsewhere, New Hampshire's governor signs a law regulating low-carbon fuel standards, while a gas leak in Ithaca, New York, causes a road closure. Eversource Energy faces potential credit downgrades, and Maine officials clarify tree-clearing permits for a controversial transmission line. Offshore wind workforce training gets a boost in Massachusetts, and activists protest an Eversource Energy project in an environmental justice community.
Vermont Gas Systems is offering financial relief to its customers in the USA. Residential and commercial clients can now apply for grants of up to $10,000 and $50,000 respectively to pay off utility debts accumulated during the pandemic. This initiative aims to help customers get back on their feet after the economic hardships caused by the pandemic.
In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy is set to open an energy and engineering lab in 2024. This facility will train technical professionals in offshore wind energy and conduct research on various energy topics, including fuel cells, tidal power, and energy storage. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is also planning a similar lab in the state, further boosting its energy research capabilities.
State lawmakers in Massachusetts have overridden a gubernatorial veto to provide a small budget increase for regional transit authorities. However, it remains to be seen whether this increase will be sufficient to combat inflation. The budget boost is intended to improve public transportation services across the state.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has signed a law requiring his approval for the state to participate in a low-carbon fuel standard program. This legislation gives the governor more control over the state's involvement in such programs, reflecting his administration's stance on energy policy.
In Ithaca, New York, a gas leak caused by construction workers has led to a road closure. The incident occurred while workers were patching a pipe, highlighting the potential hazards of construction activities near utility infrastructure.
Credit agencies have changed their outlook on Eversource Energy's Connecticut operations from 'stable' to 'negative'. This shift could potentially lead to a credit downgrade and increased borrowing costs for the utility company. The change in outlook reflects concerns about the company's financial health and its ability to manage risks.
A Maine environmental official has clarified that Central Maine Power's controversial transmission line follows tree-clearing permit terms. The official's statement comes amidst legislators' beliefs that the project has violated these terms, sparking a debate over environmental regulations and energy infrastructure.
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center has granted $1.6 million to eight offshore wind workforce training programs. These programs aim to help people of color and low-income individuals enter the offshore wind industry, promoting diversity and inclusion in the state's clean energy sector.
Advocates of the Transportation & Climate Initiative remain optimistic about the regional pact's goals, despite few states formally joining. The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Activists have been protesting Eversource Energy's proposed electrical substation in an environmental justice community. They urge officials to deny the utility's permit, citing concerns about the project's potential impact on the local environment and community.
These developments highlight the ongoing efforts to address the economic and environmental challenges faced by communities across the region. From utility debt relief to offshore wind training and infrastructure improvements, these initiatives aim to support residents, foster growth, and promote sustainability.
