WG&E predicts rates will eventually increase as state phases out natural gas - MassLive.com

WG&E predicts rates will eventually increase as state phases out natural gas - masslive.com

WESTFIELD — Massachusetts is transitioning too quickly to an electric-powered future, which will cause an increase in electric rates, according to Western Gas & Electric General Manager Tom Flaherty.

“Coming from a company that supplies natural gas, it’s a little quick to get rid of a stable, cost-effective, cost-efficient heating fuel,” he said.

Flaherty was responding to two state clean energy initiatives: Department of Public Utilities Order 20-80, which requires natural gas companies to consider non-gas initiatives before building new gas infrastructure, and the Clean Heat Standard, a proposal to require energy suppliers shift away from using fossil fuels to supply heat, in exchange for credits. WG&E emailed the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection a response to a draft Clean Heat Standard framework on Dec. 21, in which they described the state’s decarbonization plan as “an electrification-only approach.”