A new WBUR series, originally airing on May 8, 2023, explores the business of third party electricity providers who claim to save customers money while many people end up paying more. WBUR’s Miriam Wasser and NCLC’s Jenifer Bosco explain.
In an article appearing in the Boston Globe on May 4, 2023, Sabrina Shankman covers a report released in collaboration with NCLC, Overly Impacted and Rarely Heard: Incorporating Community Voices Into Massachusetts Energy Regulatory Processes.
Report Identifies Solutions to Barriers to Public Participation in Department of Public Utilities and Energy Facilities Siting Board Proceedings
Disproportionately high burdens connected with utility infrastructure and operations fall on environmental justice populations, which are formally defined by Massachusetts law. Yet the status quo provides environmental justice populations and affected communities few or no meaningful opportunities to participate in DPU and EFSB proceedings, where most utility infrastructure and operations decisions are made. Few agency…
The National Consumer Law Center has compiled Massachusetts gas and electric arrearage data collected in DPU docket 20-58 through February 2023. Here we provide a brief update to previous reports released in February 2021, November 2021, and November 2022 on the state of arrears in MA. As of April 1, the winter moratorium that protects…
Read More about Risks of Utility Shutoffs Are Rising in Massachusetts
SUPPORT Immediate Passage of H.D.2405/S.D.1209, An Act relative to fairness in debt collection
An Act Relative to the Use of Credit Reporting in Housing H.1308/S.877 , the Fair Chance in Housing Act Senator Gomez , Representatives Cruz & Garcia Restricting the use of credit reports in housing decisions will reduce barriers to housing for the low-income and people of color most impacted by the COVID crisis and help…
An Act reducing barriers to employment through credit discrimination H.1434/S.1114, the Fair Chance in Employment Act (FCEA) Senator Barrett, Representative Cutler. Massachusetts has led the way in this area by being one of three states (CA, HI, MA) banning the use of credit scores in auto insurance decisions or pricing. This act will continue our…
Read More about Why We Need the FCEA to Keep Credit Reports Out of Hiring Decisions Now
Lawyers from Massachusetts, Oregon, and Maryland earn ‘Rising Star’ awards SEATTLE — In recognition of her contributions to the practice of consumer law, New Mexico attorney Karen Meyers accepted the National Consumer Law Center’s 2022 Vern Countryman Award. The prestigious annual honor recognizes an attorney whose special contributions to consumer law have strengthened and affirmed…
This issue brief is being released as Massachusetts households approach a winter harder than any prior for those who struggle to pay the heating bills as they try to keep warm.
Read More about COVID-Driven Arrearages & Rising Energy Prices Increase Risk of Utility Shutoffs
This resource contains LIHEAP information and application materials. It also includes a link to the most recent Cold Relief brochure which is updated annually and lists where, in each of the state’s 354 cities and towns, one applies for fuel assistance, weatherization services, and heating system repairs/replacements. It also provides the up-to-date income limits for…
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