A memorandum of understanding announced Feb. 7 sets a goal of heat pump technology comprising 65% of residential heating, cooling and water heating equipment sales by 2030.

The recommendations for the state's gas pipe replacement program highlight some key areas of contention between the gas utilities, climate organizations and state officials.

The attorneys representing the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Algonquin Gas Transmission and a group of residents presented final arguments in a department adjudicatory proceeding over the waterways license of the company’s natural gas compressor station in Weymouth.

Groups emphasize the negative effects existing permitting and siting procedures have had on vulnerable populations in the state.

Delaying the solicitation “is crucial to encourage the most cost-effective bids for the benefit of Massachusetts ratepayers,” the Department of Energy Resources wrote.

“The clock is ticking,” Sen. Mike Barrett, Senate co-chair of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, told NetZero Insider.

The new docket will consider improvements to Massachusetts' affordability programs for low- and moderate-income ratepayers.

Vineyard Wind 1 generated its first power for New England, sending about 5 MW of electricity to the grid via its interconnection point on Cape Cod.

FERC Commissioner Allison Clements said addressing transmission planning issues will be a key component of cutting down interconnection backlogs.