Newton Joins Protest To Eversource Rate Change

NEWTON, MA — Local Communities and Environmental groups are protesting a proposed Eversource Rate Change, including Newton Mayor Setti Warren, saying it will impact the ability for the city to invest in solar energy projects.

Newton along with seven other communities, including Arlington and Lexington are petitioners in an Eversource rate case currently under review by The Department of Utilities.

"The primary concern of communities and environmental groups is the proposed 40 percent cut in the rates paid to cities and towns for municipal solar projects," according to a recent press release from the mayor's office.

Arlington, Lexington, Natick, Newton, Wayland, Weston, and Westwood have signed a letter to the Department of Utilities alerting them that these communities stand to lose a combined $32 million throughout the next 20 years if the proposed rate change goes into effect.

The communities currently use the money they save for programs and work that would otherwise not be possible, according to the press release.

The rate change would make the cost of current and future solar projects prohibitive, leading to a reduction of these sustainable projects state-wide and would impact the ability of the Commonwealth to meet the goals outlined in the Global Warming Solutions Act.

More to come.

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Photo by Jenna Fisher/ Patch