Senator Brownsberger has recently submitted the following testimony on S.1749, An Act relative to energy use disclosure:
TO: Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
FROM: Senator William N. Brownsberger
RE: S1749, An Act relative to energy use disclosure
DATE: June 29th, 2015
I am writing in support of S1749, An Act relative to energy use disclosure.
This bill would require distribution companies to make individual building energy use history available to the general public. The disclosure of this information will provide residents with a benchmark in order to help determine ways they can reduce their energy use. Policy makers will be able to analyze this data to see where we are succeeding in reducing energy consumption, and where we are falling short. Energy efficiency companies would be able to market their services directly to those who would benefit the most. No financial information will be disclosed as a result of this bill and for individuals concerned about privacy, they will be able to opt out entirely. Other reasonable privacy concerns, such as masking fluctuations in energy use due to vacations or work, can be addressed in regulation by the Department of Public Utilities.
I believe this legislation will lead to increased energy efficiency in the Commonwealth and I hope the committee will report S1749 favorably.
Andrew Bettinelli
Legislative Aide
Office of State Senator William N. Brownsberger