"DECEMBER 23, 2014"
A long-awaited study commissioned by Deval Patrick's administration to examine Massachusetts's energy needs for the next several decades has been delayed.
The study was originally scheduled to be released Tuesday. Mary-Leah Assad, a spokeswoman for Patrick's administration, said the state hoped to release the report next week.
The study, called the Massachusetts Low-Demand Analysis, was commissioned by the state's Department of Energy Resources after environmental groups said an existing report didn't give enough weight to alternative energy sources, like wind and solar power. Synapse Energy, the Cambridge-based energy consultancy conducting the study, has said their report would not include policy proposals.
Since October, three stakeholder meetings have been held, and some technical models have been released. Although the final report hasn't been released, environmental groups and pro-pipeline advocates are already critiquing its methods and arguing over its conclusions.
Massachusetts's electricity sector has become increasingly dependent on natural gas-driven power plants in recent years. But the region's growing reliance on natural gas has strained supplies, and limited natural gas pipeline capacity has led to wintertime price spikes. Environmental groups have generally opposed the creation of a new pipeline, saying it would increase greenhouse gas emissions and steer the state away from green energy.
Jack Newsham can be reached at jack.newsham@globe.com.
Follow him on Twitter@TheNewsHam.
>> More information on the Low Demand Study and responses
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