Energy/Alternative Energy: Mass. Energy Commissioner

In a speech to Berkshire Community College David Cash, the Department of Public Utilities Commissioner in Massachusetts, advocated for government officials to continue pushing for alternative energy.  Cash says that there is still plenty of room for the state to make improvements along with its solar generation projects and over 200 wind projects they are currently working on.  Cash says that new developments in alternative energy would boost the states economy as well as attract more businesses because of its low energy costs.  Massachusetts has many power plants that are built to withstand the states “peaky” use of its short supply of energy and Cash says that developing alternative energy would help reduce the size of these plants.  While this investment has a high start up cost he also warns that the prices will be going up soon so the best time to act is now and the cost will pay off in the end.

There are two major points to this article: the state must act soon to avoid high costs and there is always enough room to develop more alternative energy platforms.  The first main factor has everything to do with the business side of things.  Not only will investing in alternative energy be cost-effective in the long run, but it will also create many jobs and attract new businesses because of low energy costs.  Along with this tax breaks would be offered to companies that utilized alternative energy sources. Cash also stresses that there is still a lot of room for the sate to “improve its energy portfolio.” This outlook is important in creating a future of alternative and renewable energy because its stresses its necessity and quick action.  As stated, Cash believes that if the state does not act soon prices will just continue to go up. 

            This article illustrates the controversies between experts and governments over decisions dealing with alternative energy.  In many cases the government is hesitant to invest in alternative energy sources because of how uncertain the outcome can be.  Businesses are comfortable with their sources of income and the money they are making so it is hard to get them to change.  As experts try to stress the importance of these alternative issues offering incentives for business to make he switch they also continue to try and educate the masses, just as Cash did in his address to Berkshire Community College.  

http://www.iberkshires.com/story/43216/Energy-Commissioner-Pleads-Case-For-Alternative-Energy.html