THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026 Page 7 MASS HOUSE | FROM Page 5 not meeting renewable energy standards, to customers until July 1, 2029. ◊ After July 1, 2029, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), in consultation with MassCEC, mandates that 70 percent of ACP payments be returned to ratepayers in any year where money in the funds exceeds the predicted level by 2 percent and energy costs are a substantial burden to residents of the Commonwealth. • Reduces net metering credit amounts, which are a signifi cant surcharge on electric bills • Requires distribution companies and gas companies to provide discounted rates for low-income customers and eligible moderate-income customers • Requires that any standard residential default service rates cannot be changed more frequently than once every six months • Establishes an electric rates task force to advise and make recommendations on the current and future cost of electricity in the Commonwealth with a report due by September 30, 2027 The House bill also brings more energy onto the grid and protects the workforce during the transition to clean energy. The bill: • Expands the Commonwealth’s energy procurement authority by authorizing DOER to competitively solicit environmental attributes or energy services and negotiate and enter into long term contracts • Requires DOER to establish a state-led off shore wind predevelopment and project acceleration program to enable the Commonwealth to partner with off shore wind developers to further the Commonwealth’s goals. The bill also extends from June 30, 2027 to June 30, 2029 the deadline for cost-eff ective long-term contracts for off shore wind energy generation. • Allows DOER to develop a statewide energy storage incentive program to encourage the continued development of energy storage resources connected to the electric distribution system. • Allows for smart solar permitting to get more projects online faster • Removes barriers for nuclear energy by repealing chapter 503 of the acts of 1982, which established requirements for voter approval and legislative certifi cation of any new nuclear power Local students make Q2 Honor Roll at BC High T he following local students made the Q2 Honor Roll at BC High for the 2025-2026 school year. Please note that students with an asterisk (*) next to their name were inducted into the National Honor Society in December 2025, as well. The following students from Revere were honored: Michael Arias,* High Honors (2026); Christian Caro Jimenez, Honors (2028); David Catano, Honors (2026); Victhor Faria, Honors (2026); Gabriel Gavilanez, High Honors (2027); Valentino Peura, High Honors (2029); Esteban Rotavista Alzate, High Honors (2029); Edvin Rovcanin, Honors (2028); Daniel Toranzo, Honors (2029). National Honor Society is an organization overseen by plant or any facility for the disposal or storage of low level radioactive waste in the Commonwealth. • Allows for high voltage transmission lines on state highways • Requires labor peace agreements for geothermal energy projects to help support and create jobs, adds prevailing wage requirements for work on thermal energy networks, and requires transition plans for gas workers during the transition to clean energy. The House bill also addresses predatory practices by certain suppliers, which impact consumers while certain utilities benefi t through business practices that result in higher utility costs. The bill: • Creates a real-time, online, retail residential customer bill assessment dashboard with: explanations of customer bill components; and an analysis of the benefi ts of certain programs, procurements and investments. • Adjusts the reporting requirements for electric and gas companies, transmission companies, distribution companies, suppliers and aggregators and suppliers of natural gas to require quarterly reporting. • Protects consumers by restricting predatory marketing practices by competitive electric suppliers by eliminating automatic renewals and variable rate contracts, by requiring more transparency for consumers, and by establishing new licensing requirements for doorto-door and telemarketing fi rms. • Allows municipalities to opt out of competitive electric supply • Requires utility audits and approvals for asset condition projects that are projected to cost more than $25 million • Requires gas companies to implement default budget billing for residential customers The bill passed the House of Representatives 128-27 and now goes to the Senate for consideration. PLEASANT ST. TAX 175 Pleasant Street, Malden Specializing in Personal Income Tax Preparation Starting at $90. Call: (781) 324-6195 the National Association of Secondary Schools and Principals (NASSP) that recognizes and empowers students to excel in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership and service (the four pillars). It is meant to be an organization populated by the highest role-models within our school, who will work to improve their school and local community through leadership and service. Students who have completed one semester at BC High and maintain a cumulative GPA to the faculty council’s satisfaction are invited to be considered for candidacy at the beginning of their junior or senior year. Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments!
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