Clean Heat Commission and Carbon-Neutral Goals in Massachusetts

• The Clean Heat Commission, which was convened by then-Governor Charlie Baker in January 2022, recommended the adoption of a clean heat performance standard.
• The standard would create a system similar to a renewable portfolio standard but for heat instead of electricity.
• Heating fuel suppliers would be required to contribute to clean heat projects, likely by buying credits generated from activities such as heat pump installations and weatherization improvements.
• Other strategies recommended by the commission include reforms to state energy efficiency programs, establishing a climate bank to finance heat pump installations and weatherization projects, and scaling up workforce training to ensure there are enough contractors to perform the work.
• As Massachusetts pursues its target of going carbon-neutral by 2050, buildings will be a major challenge. Switching to electric space and water heating would allow them to be warmed by electricity that includes an ever-increasing proportion of wind, solar, hydro and other renewable power.

Learn about the recommendations of the Clean Heat Commission in Massachusetts, including the introduction of a clean heat performance standard and strategies to achieve carbon-neutral goals by 2050 through the adoption of electric space and water heating. Explore the proposed reforms to state energy efficiency programs and financing for clean heat projects.