Bill
S 2299
Creates the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Authority to fund energy upgrades via Green Jobs loans repaid on utility bills, with two accounts and on-bill recovery.
Note on source material
- The bill text provided is a Massachusetts state bill to create a “Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Authority” and a Green Jobs Massachusetts on‑bill loan program. However, the metadata at the top (title about helicopters, sponsors that are U.S. Senators, and some legislative actions) appear inconsistent with that text. This summary focuses on the bill text supplied (creation of Chapter 25D — Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Authority). Verify the official bill file/version before acting on this summary.
Summary — An Act relative to green jobs (proposed Chapter 25D)
Purpose
- Establish a state authority (Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Authority) to create and administer “Green Jobs Massachusetts,” a program that provides loans for qualified energy‑efficiency projects and repays those loans via on‑bill recovery charges on utility bills. The goal is to finance energy upgrades while supporting green jobs.
Key provisions
- Creation of the Authority: Constitutes a public instrumentality placed in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs but largely independent in operation.
- Massachusetts Green Jobs Loan Fund:
- Two segregated accounts: one for residential and multi‑family projects, one for non‑residential projects.
- At least 50% of initial funds must be allocated to the residential account.
- Fund sources: appropriations/grants, loan repayments (principal, interest, late charges), and investment earnings. Funds cannot be commingled with other authority monies.
- Loan program and on‑bill recovery:
- Loans finance qualified energy‑efficiency services; repayments collected through utility bills (on‑bill recovery).
- Authority may suspend on‑bill recovery if it finds a direct increase in arrears or disconnections or other good cause.
- Authority must consider alternative, prudent measures of creditworthiness to broaden access for customers without traditional financing.
- Utility support and fees:
- Up to $500,000 (pro rata by customer count) to combination electric & gas utilities to defray billing system upgrade costs to support on‑bill recovery.
- Within 30 days of loan closing: $100 per loan paid to the utility and a servicing fee equal to 1% of the loan amount to the utility serving the customer.
- Administration:
- Authority may contract program implementers, receive/apply rebates and grants toward loan repayment, and set participation standards (reliable bill payment, mortgage standing, etc.).
Who is affected
- Residential, multi‑family, and non‑residential property owners seeking energy efficiency improvements.
- Combination electric & gas utilities (especially those with > $200 million annual revenues, which are subject to specified implementation proceedings).
- Contractors, program implementers, and financial administrators participating in loan delivery.
- Ratepayers indirectly if program costs are reflected in utility operations or risk of arrears affects suspensions.
Procedural/timeline elements (as specified)
- Authority must begin a proceeding within 45 days of the section’s effective date to investigate implementation of on‑bill recovery by major combination utilities and must make determinations on billing/collection procedures within 150 days.
- Utility payments (per‑loan fee and servicing fee) are due within 30 days of loan closing.
- Authority may begin billing and collection services “as soon as practicable” after program establishment.
Limitations and notes
- The provided text is truncated; some sections (detailed eligibility, definitions of “qualified energy efficiency services,” consumer protections, oversight/finance details) may be in omitted portions.
- Confirm full bill text and final legislative status for complete requirements, appropriation amounts, and implementation specifics.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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