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S 2247

Relates to renaming the state aid for certain independent institutions of higher learning to the Leonard P. Stavisky student success grants

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Leroy Comrie and 1 co-sponsor

Mass Save must offer free, standardized zero‑carbon assessments with safety checks, improve data reporting by ZIP code, and require qualified contractors to support electrification

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · S 2247

Summary — S 2247 (Massachusetts) — “An Act relative to Mass Save assessments”

Note on document consistency
- The materials provided include conflicting metadata (titles, sponsors, committees, and docket dates) that appear to conflate multiple measures. This summary focuses on the actual bill text included, which amends Massachusetts General Laws chapter 25, section 21 and adds new Mass Save program requirements.

Purpose and intent
- Require Mass Save program administrators and utilities to expand energy‑efficiency program services by offering a standardized, no‑cost “zero‑carbon assessment” for buildings, improve program data reporting and transparency (including by ZIP code), set contractor qualification and consumer‑protection standards, and provide consulting and training to support electrification and fossil‑fuel replacement.

Key provisions
1. Data reporting (amendment to clause xiv, §21(b)(2))
- Data collected under current data clauses must be delineated by utility, sector (residential, residential low‑income, commercial, industrial) and ZIP code.
- Electric distribution companies, municipal aggregators with certified plans, and natural gas distribution companies must provide the prior calendar year’s data to the Department by March 31 each year; the department must publish it via the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council website by April 30.

  1. Zero‑carbon assessments and reports (new §21(g))

    • Program administrators must offer customers a free, standardized zero‑carbon assessment (including a heat load calculation) identifying measures to meet building heating/cooling and energy needs without combustible fuels.
    • Assessments must include safety evaluations: combustion safety tests of existing fossil‑fuel appliances, instrumented ambient gas tests (including meter leak checks), and carbon monoxide alarm tests.
    • The assessment must generate a zero‑carbon report listing measures and associated co‑benefits (comfort, safety, health, cost savings).
    • The Massachusetts Energy Technology Center will develop the assessment and reports in consultation with program administrators and the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council; the Commonwealth retains rights to the tools and data for use by Mass Save or successors.
    • The zero‑carbon assessment will be the standard assessment offered to all customers receiving services under §21.

  2. Contractor qualifications and supports (new §21(i))

    • Program administrators must set criteria for contractor approval to implement assessment recommendations; approved contractors must:
      • Meet program/industry standards
      • Warrant work for at least 12 months
      • Undergo quality assurance assessments
      • Require employees/subcontractors to complete periodic training and meet program goals
    • Administrators should procure bulk purchase savings for customers and provide technical assistance to women‑owned, minority‑owned, and small/low‑income community businesses.

  3. Consulting and training (new §21(j))

    • Program administrators must develop consulting programs for building owners undertaking electrification or retrofits and training programs for staff, contractors, and volunteers covering program procedures, electrification costs/benefits, and available incentives.

Effective date and applicability
- Section 2 takes effect upon passage and applies to energy‑efficiency plans beginning with the 2025–2027 plan cycle.

Who is affected
- Mass Save program administrators, electric and natural‑gas distribution companies, municipal aggregators, building owners and customers (including low‑income households), participating contractors and workforce, and state energy program administrators.

Potential impacts
- Supports building electrification and safer fossil‑fuel phase‑outs by lowering information barriers (free assessments), improving consumer protections (safety testing, warranties), and increasing program transparency (ZIP‑code data).
- May create additional administrative and compliance tasks for utilities and program administrators, and require contractor training and capacity expansions.
- Enables targeted outreach and policy design through more granular data (ZIP code level).

Procedural status (from provided record)
- Introduced in the Senate; referred to relevant committees per docket (Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy and other references). Hearing dates and referrals listed in the record; Section 2 effective upon enactment. (Note: metadata in the provided materials is inconsistent; consult the official legislative website for up‑to‑date status.)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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