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End to residential RGGI rebates?

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Next Wednesday, April 20 the New Hampshire House will vote on a bill to change ratepayer rebates under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

RGGI is a cap-and-trade program, in which utilities pay for carbon emission allowances.  Some of what utilities pay for allowances is rebated back to customers, and some is dedicated to energy efficiency programs.

SB 492, the bill up for a vote next Wednesday, eliminates rebates to residential customers. Instead, that revenue is directed to grant programs for low income and local government energy efficiency projects.

Bill sponsor Sen. Dan Feltes says that the energy efficiency programs have very high demand and will benefit consumers more than rebates.

“You’re talking about jobs weatherizing homes… you’re talking about making a dent in the waiting list of over 10,000 homes for low income weatherization and energy efficiency.  You’re talking about increased energy savings for low income households that can spend their money elsewhere in the community,” said Feltes

Opponents argue that RGGI is already a hidden tax on consumers because utilities pass the costs of cap-and-trade onto ratepayers.  If the state wants to fund energy efficiency programs, it should do so through a more transparent tax-and-spend process, not by eliminating rebates.

The Public Utilities Commission estimates that SB 492 would increase the average residential customer’s monthly electricity bill by $1.67.

Do you have an opinion on RGGI rebates?  Comment below.

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