The REAL Reason Your Power Bill is Outrageous

Summary

In this video, the speaker condemns the massive spike in gas and electricity bills in Massachusetts, blaming government policies, corporate mismanagement, and hidden fees. The speaker highlights how Massachusetts residents are forced to pay for energy efficiency programs, even if they don’t benefit from them. Key factors include the state's push to shut down traditional energy sources like coal and nuclear, reliance on out-of-state electricity, and missteps by companies like Eversource. Governor Healey's administration is criticized for not preventing the rate hikes. The speaker urges residents to demand transparency and accountability from both the government and utility companies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eversource and National Grid have significantly increased energy prices in Massachusetts, with hikes ranging from 10% to 30%.
• 😀 The rise in energy costs is mainly due to bad decisions, failed investments, and government policies that have placed the burden on consumers.
• 😀 Massachusetts has closed many coal and nuclear plants over the past decade, leading to higher costs as more electricity is imported from other states.
• 😀 Hidden fees on energy bills, like transmission fees, local delivery fees, and public benefits charges, contribute to the rising costs for consumers.
• 😀 The public benefits charge funds state-mandated energy programs (e.g., Mass Save, low-income assistance) and is required even if the consumer does not use these programs.
• 😀 Massachusetts residents are essentially subsidizing energy efficiency upgrades for others, which results in higher bills for everyone.
• 😀 Eversource's failed offshore wind investments, which cost them billions, are being passed on to consumers through higher rates.
• 😀 The state’s energy policies, including blocking natural gas pipelines and pushing for more renewable energy, have led to an unstable and expensive energy market.
• 😀 Governor Healey's administration, which oversees the Department of Public Utilities, has not rejected the rate hikes and is seen as complicit in the situation.
• 😀 The ongoing energy issues, including attempts to phase out natural gas, are contributing to energy poverty in the state, with many residents struggling to afford their bills.

Q & A

Why have gas and electricity bills in Massachusetts skyrocketed?

Gas and electricity bills in Massachusetts have skyrocketed due to a combination of bad decisions, failed investments, and government policies. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, overseen by Governor Healey's administration, approved significant rate hikes, contributing to the increased costs.

What role did Governor Healey and her administration play in the rate hikes?

Governor Healey and her administration played a significant role by overseeing the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, which approved the rate hikes. Despite the power to reject these increases, the administration did not advocate for consumers or push back on the rate hikes.

What are some of the hidden fees on Massachusetts electricity bills?

Some hidden fees on Massachusetts electricity bills include the transmission fee, local delivery fee, and public benefits charge. These charges cover costs such as maintaining power lines, delivering electricity, and funding state-mandated energy programs.

What is the 'public benefits' charge, and why is it controversial?

The 'public benefits' charge is used to fund energy programs like Mass Save, low-income assistance, and renewable energy projects. It's controversial because customers must pay it whether they use these programs or not, effectively subsidizing energy efficiency projects for others while their own bills increase.

How has Massachusetts' energy infrastructure contributed to the price hikes?

Massachusetts has shut down most of its coal and nuclear power plants, leading to a reliance on imported electricity and raising transmission costs. Additionally, the state has blocked new natural gas pipelines, which has further strained the energy supply and driven up costs.

How did Eversource's investments in offshore wind projects affect consumers?

Eversource invested billions in offshore wind projects but lost hundreds of millions of dollars when they sold their stake for much less than expected. Instead of absorbing the loss, Eversource passed the financial burden onto consumers, contributing to higher energy bills.

What is the impact of Massachusetts pushing residents off natural gas?

Massachusetts is pushing residents away from natural gas, aiming to eliminate gas ranges and other natural gas appliances. However, the electric grid is not prepared to handle the additional demand, leading to an unstable and unsustainable system that exacerbates energy costs.

Why is Massachusetts' energy market considered unstable and expensive?

Massachusetts' energy market is considered unstable and expensive because of a combination of factors: the shutdown of traditional energy sources like coal and nuclear, lack of infrastructure to replace them, blocked natural gas pipelines, and poor investments by utility companies like Eversource.

What should residents of Massachusetts do to address high energy bills?

Residents should speak up by contacting utility companies, emailing, or calling to demand explanations for their high bills. They should also advocate for lawmakers to reconsider the public benefits charge and push for more transparent energy policies.

What is the suggested solution to Massachusetts' energy issues?

A suggested solution is to bring back locally sourced energy and not rely on out-of-state electricity. Additionally, Massachusetts should reconsider its energy policies, such as funding energy efficiency programs through alternative means rather than imposing fees on residents' bills.