A region in transition: getting our energy future "right".

• Author: Kassel, John
• Position: THE ENERGY ISSUE

The problem is most of us don't think about it much. Or at least not until it doesn't work, or a change is proposed that we don't Like - for financial, aesthetic, or other reasons. Here's the thing: scientific consensus is that we need to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% by 2050 to keep climate change in check, which requires even greater emissions reductions from the electric sector.

Our electric system has evolved over decades in New England, with investments by various companies, regulated (or not) by several state and federal authorities, and operated by a regional entity without authority to direct a redesign. As systems go, it's a little more Rube Goldberg than BMW.

As a result, the system does not optimally promote the public good: polluting and inefficient coal plants continue to harm us, leaky nuclear plants limp on, landscape-changing transmission projects that do not significantly promote the public good are taken seriously, and smart investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy production and careful grid management struggle for serious consideration.

Fortunately, much of the existing system is now reaching the end of its useful life. We have a rare opportunity to make design changes and investments that turn it into a holistically-planned system that will serve us well for the next 40 years. In order to keep the lights on, at a minimum, it's important that we get it right.

But the system must do more than that. Will it meet our reasonable power needs, at an acceptable overall cost? Will it respect and enhance our health and the health of our environment? Will it create and sustain jobs in our communities? Will it help us thrive?

CLF believes the answer to these questions can be "yes." To achieve the necessary emissions reductions, we need to steadily decrease electricity demand as well as the emissions per unit of energy produced and consumed, at a rate consistent with or greater than global emissions targets. It won't be easy, but it can be done. CLF's deep...