With Nstar Deal, State gets Jobs and Economic Growth
(This op-ed originally appeared at The Podium by the Boston Globe.) Governor Patrick’s recently announced merger deal between Northeast Utilities and Nstar does more than just protect against rate increases for years to come – it enhances the state’s national leadership in the clean energy innovation economy and positions us for the key benefits from...
Statement on NSTAR and Northeast Utilities Merger
We applaud the conditional agreement reached between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Nstar to move forward on a clean energy economy that is great for customers, business and for jobs in the Commonwealth,” said Peter Rothstein, president of the New England Clean Energy Council. “The agreement for Nstar to be a customer of Cape Wind...
Gov. Patrick on GCA: No Rollback on My Watch
Leaders of New England’s innovation economy had their hearts warmed last week when Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick sent out an early Valentine: He publicly declared love and devotion to the Green Communities Act (GCA). Joining Newton Mayor Setti Warren on a tour of a zero net-energy home in Waban, Governor Patrick addressed dozens of attendees...
We’re all Customers of Green Electricity
The Boston Globe ran a story on January 31st on Nstar’s Green program, describing its price surcharge, volatility and modest uptake. As a program which offers a a 50% or 100% renewable option for those few customers who are highly-dedicated early-adopters, the program was never intended as a major sales channel for renewables. However, the...
In Defense of Clean Energy
In the era of Solyndra slurs and of political attacks that ignore or misstate significant clean energy benefits, it’s welcome to see a growing number of thoughtful opinions from the mainstream media. This past weekend, the New York Times took advantage of the post-State of the Union moment to make a strong defense of clean energy policies....
Clean Energy is Driving Economic Growth in the Commonwealth
NECEC President Peter Rothstein weighs in on energy costs and the Green Communities Act in Commonwealth Magazine.
We Need Sensible Wind Siting Reform
As the state Legislature's Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy considers changes to the state's wind permitting process, it should keep in mind how public policy sustains existing renewable energy jobs and promotes innovation. A sensible balance between local control and simplified permitting rules will allow the commonwealth to lead the nation in wind...
Beacon Power, Entrepreneurship and the Real Story of Cleantech Growth
News that Beacon Power has filed for bankruptcy is an unfortunate development. Unfortunately, failure gets more attention than success - and success is what we're seeing in the clean energy industry overall.
Washington Must Think Globally And Act Regionally
If Washington wants to enable the growth of American’s clean energy economy, it must think globally and act regionally.
Which technology innovations will meet the world’s energy challenge?
I was recently asked to take part in an online debate about our energy challenges at CommentVision. The question posed was "Which technology innovations will meet the world's energy challenge?" Here is my response.
Don’t Forget DC: Why Cleantech Can’t Afford To Ignore Washington
As you read this, I am in Washington, DC with dozens of clean energy CEOs and senior executives and regional leaders who, like me, believe that our presence in the capital is more important now than ever.
New Jersey and RGGI: Politics Obscures the Right Policy
Personality outdid policy Governor Chris Christie announced his intention to withdraw New Jersey from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”). The news coverage focused on politics instead of policy, leaving untold one simple truth: RGGI works, and has been a resounding success.