The energy crisis and high oil prices from 1975 to 1985 served as a strong catalyst for improved energy efficiency and the development of renewable technologies.  The drop in oil prices in 1986 slowed the momentum, but is picking up again as concerns about the limitations of the earth’s resources and the impact of human activity increase.  In 1997, Massachusetts adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for electricity sellers.  It required 1% of all energy sales to be from renewable sources in 2003, with the percent increasing to 4% by 2009 and 1% each year thereafter, if required by regulations.

How are we doing?

In 2001, Massachusetts consumed 1,548.8 trillion British Thermal Units (BTUs) of energy for all purposes, 20% more than the recent low in 1981, and just 2% short of the all-time high of 1973.  At 242 million BTUs per capita, Massachusetts ranked 47th in energy consumption per capita, 40% lower than the US average.

The energy consumption rates are driving increases in greenhouse gas emissions.  Massachusetts emitted 7% more greenhouse gases in 2001 than in 1990, casting doubt on the state’s ability to meet its goal of bringing greenhouse gas emission rates below the 1990 levels by the year 2010.

In 2002, Massachusetts ranked 24th out of the 50 states in the creation of renewable power. The state generated 2.9 trillion BTUs of renewable energy, two-thirds from municipal solid waste or landfill gas, and most of the remainder from hydro-electric power. Massachusetts ranked 8th for the percent of net electricity generated by non-hydroelectric renewable power.  However, the percentage slipped slightly from 5.4% in 2001 to 4.9% in 2002.  From 2002 to 2003, Massachusetts' net power generation from renewable sources rose by 7% due to strong gains in generation from hydroelectric power, wood, and wood waste.