RPS Talking Points

As a driver of renewable energy development, Massachusetts’ RPS has been in place since 1997, and a 2017 analysis by Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. shows the MA RPS has proven to help:
- Stimulate local/regional clean energy job growth.
- Promote energy diversity.
- Displace fossil fuels and reduce GHG emissions.
- Stabilize energy prices.

Massachusetts’ RPS is integral to compliance with the MA Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), which mandates that Massachusetts reduce economy-wide emissions 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, relative to 1990 levels.
- Grid de-carbonization is the most cost-effective way to reduce GHG emissions.
- Accelerating clean energy development in MA and New England is essential if climate obligations are to be met, especially as we begin to electrify transportation and space heating.
- 50% Renewable by 2030: Analysis supports an increase in the RPS of 3% per year, which is about equivalent to 50% Class I by 2030.
- A 3% per year RPS increase would:
  - Help drive new, incremental renewables by 2030
  - Decrease wholesale electricity prices
  - Stimulate New England job growth in the clean energy sector
  - Displace fossil fuels and reduce GHG emissions
  - Have only a modest impact on monthly bills: depending on level of RPS increase, monthly electric bills for residential ratepayers in Massachusetts would rise between $0.15 and $2 per month, relative to the current RPS
In Summary: analyses have shown that strengthening the RPS is necessary, doable, and beneficial for the economy, the environment, to consumers, and for public health

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