Editor’s note: Plymouth Select Board member David Golden wrote this letter to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, and submitted it to the Independent for publication.
My name is David Golden, and I am a selectman in the Town of Plymouth. At our last Select Board meeting, representatives from Eversource attended, at my request, to discuss soaring utility costs. Dozens of residents attended, and several expressed difficulty affording their bills. It has troubled me, as a leader in this community, to hear from so many people who are struggling. Something must be done.
The representatives from Eversource shared information about the costs associated with delivery. Among the most costly elements of the bill are those which are associated with public policy choices – most notably, the MassSave program.
During the meeting, I discussed several individuals who I believe abused the MassSave program. They live out of state but were formerly residents of Massachusetts. Despite no longer living here, these folks have availed themselves of rebates through the MassSave program by claiming items and having them delivered to the homes of family or friends. The items are then sent to their out-of-state homes, benefiting no one in Massachusetts.
Additionally, I am increasingly concerned that the program is rarely accessed by those who need it most. Increasingly, I am hearing that the most frequent users of MassSave are developers and landlords, who seek savings in their business interest, but do not pass that savings on to the consumer.
What measures are in place to prevent abuses such as those I have listed above? What policy decisions is your administration prepared to make to bring down the cost of heat and electricity for Massachusetts residents?
Governor, your people are hurting. As a selectman, I can only share information with my constituents. As governor, you have tremendous power to influence these costs. I implore you – reconsider the pursuit of your green energy agenda, and direct funds to relief for the residents of this great Commonwealth, rather than artificially forcing the development and implementation of alternative energies. While it is important to be prepared for an energy future that relies less on fossil fuels, it should be the market that drives such innovation. When alternative energy is efficient and cost effective, I have no doubt the consumers will adopt them. Until then, the government ought to focus on helping those in need of relief from the rising costs of heating and lighting their homes.
I thank you for your consideration.
– David Golden