As previously reported, National Grid had requested approval for a contract related to the financing of the Back Bay/South End gas pipeline project. This deal would have given the developer of the luxury high-rise One Dalton preferential treatment with respect to gas rates as well as allowing the property owner to opt out of paying into the state’s energy-efficiency programs. Thanks to opposition led by BCEC, with consultation from MassPLAN, many Boston residents testified against this sweetheart deal at the DPU hearing, and the Attorney General’s office was also present to voice opposition. Disallowing the contract does not stop the pipeline, but we welcome the ruling as a matter of fairness; giving a price break to wealthy customers at the expense of our statewide energy-efficiency program would have added insult to injury.
Read the full story in the Boston Sun here.