Patrick Signs Compromise Electricity Bill

Gov. Deval Patrick today signed into law a compromise bill designed to "strengthen many of the renewable energy programs that were created in the Green Communities Act," state Rep. Matthew Beaton (R-Shrewsbury) said.

The Act Relative To Competitively Priced Electricity In The Commonwealth also seeks to take "further steps to protect the best interests of the ratepayer and taxpayer," Beaton, whose district includes Westborough precincts 1 and 4, said in a press release.

Beaton served on the conference committee for the bill.

"The bill addresses the high cost of electricity in Massachusetts in an effort to support job creation and economic recovery. It seeks to reduce the price of electricity by identifying cost-drivers, reviewing rates on a more regular basis, and demanding more competition," the press release says.

"The legislation doubles the existing limits on municipal and privately-owned projects that generate their own renewable energy, ending the current long-term contract program under the Green Communities Act by December 2012."