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Daily DigestSchool Closing
Conte Middle School in North Adams will be closed Thursday, December 4, & Friday, December 5, as the investigation into a mercury spill continues. |
Light'em Up!
 (2).jpg) North Adams kicks off the holiday season with its annual treelighting on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m.
Pittsfield lights its tree on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 at Park Square. |
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Berkshire Energy Strategy - October 16, 2007
The rising cost of electricity in Massachusetts, and perhaps more importantly the Berkshires, has provoked numerous concerns from the business community. Decisions about future investment and job growth as well as decisions about the future of being able to do business in the state are becoming realities. In some cases, organizations are forced to scale back staffing and establish stringent expense control policies to cope with the energy cost burden.
A few businesses have even closed their doors in response to this energy crisis. As such, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation have worked in partnership over this past year on the issue and, as a result, have developed an energy strategy for Berkshire County.
Affordability of energy to consumers and businesses in Berkshire County is critical not only as a cost-savings but to ensure the very best quality of life for our future. The Berkshire Energy Strategy focuses on four key components that have been designed to ease the strain on the business community for both the short and long-term. The Strategy recognizes that strong collaboration is necessary to address this issue and that the plan is a continuous work-in-progress.
Short-term Tactics
1. Transmission – The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and Berkshire Economic Development Corporation along with the Attorney General’s office, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, our local, regional, and state delegation and administration will be present during the next scheduled rate hearings in 2008 to ensure that fair and equitable electric costs are distributed between the business and residential community. The Chamber and the BEDC will be charged with keeping the business community informed along the way and to ensure some of the hearings take place in Berkshire County so the business community can be heard.
2. Supply – The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce is creating a buying consortium to stabilize electric rates. This member-only benefit can increase purchasing power and provide a competitive bid process, which will help members enjoy long-term budget stability and, potentially, a cost-savings. Informational forums will take place in North Adams, Pittsfield and Lenox in October and November.
3. Conservation – Many businesses still have cost-savings to be realized through conservation measures. The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce will continue to provide forums for members to learn more about energy efficiency and conservation programs offered by utilities in Western Massachusetts.
Long-term Tactics
1. Generation/Supply – The state and region must identify ways to utilize renewable energy sources as well as develop methods for creating energy within the state.
a. Renewable energy – The Berkshire Economic Development Corporation will continue to work to attract biomass, biofuel, wind, solar and other renewable energy developments in the Berkshires.
b. Other generation sources/fuel diversity – identify new sources of power generation. Too much of the power used in the county travels a great distance to get here which affects some of the distribution and transmission charges. Finding ways to create energy generation facilities closer to the region would have a positive effect on costs.
2. Statewide policy & advocacy – The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation will work with legislators and the administration to develop a long-term energy policy with the state that stabilizes and reduces energy costs in Western Massachusetts. The promotion of legislative and regulatory measures that encourage fair and equitable transmission costs, competitive supply costs, conservation, fuel diversity, and renewable energy will be a focus of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation. |
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