11/19/2015
To Randy Hunt, Peter Hassett and others who are concerned about the natural gas rates approved for Massachusetts this Winter. Natural gas prices for Eastern Mass and Cape Cod are very tricky and complex. The commodity price of natural gas is very low right now, but unfortunately we are on the end of the pipeline. The heating season is upon us, and demand for natural gas is high, and the basis cost (complex..) to bring the gas through congested pipelines during peak periods, is high. I advise my clients to lock in longer term fixed rates with third party suppliers (approved by Mass. DPU) to avoid these price spikes that occur. Pipeline capacity needs to be expanded in New England so we can keep prices low over the long term. On a national level, the rejection of the Keystone Pipeline by the Democrats, is pure silliness. Solar panels do not save the planet, but they do cost us all much more money, as the politicians take money out of our pockets and give it to solar panel manufacturers through subsidies. It makes no sense, but we have to start electing leaders with business experience, and common sense