Mass Save marketing budget faces cuts
Massachusetts legislators are scrutinizing the Mass Save energy efficiency initiative's marketing budget, potentially saving residents over $9 billion in utility costs over the next decade.
The proposed cuts target the administrative and marketing budgets, which some legislators consider "bloated". However, critics argue that there isn't $1 billion to cut from those areas alone, potentially impacting the entire program. The Mass Save program is funded through a charge on customers' utility bills. While the cuts aim to provide short-term savings to ratepayers, some worry about the long-term consequences for energy efficiency and the state's climate goals. Supporters of Mass Save highlight its significant return on investment. For every dollar invested, ratepayers get $2.72 back over time. From 2016 to 2024, Mass Save is estimated to have saved ratepayers $16.1 billion in electric and gas supply and infrastructure costs. The proposed cuts have sparked debate about balancing affordability and climate goals. Some argue that the cuts will devastate the program and lead to job losses in the energy efficiency sector.
