families have sufficient heat during the coldest parts of the winter , thereby securing their health and safety . In most cases , our members report homeowners are only interested in minisplit ( i . e ., ductless ) heat pumps to heat smaller spaces , such as a home office or closed-in patio or sundeck .
The discussion draft documents outline a program that prioritizes heat pump installations over greenhouse gas emission reductions . MassDEP will not accomplish its climate goals or successfully decarbonize the Commonwealth ’ s building sector with this proposed “ heat pump standard .” The net effect of this program will be to harm vulnerable households and small businesses , reduce market competitiveness and consumer choice , destabilize the region ’ s electric grid , and very likely worsen climate change .
NEFI strongly urges that MassDEP work with the region ’ s Main Street heating fuel providers to develop and implement common-sense policies that support small businesses while preserving market competition and consumer choice .
NEFI also notes for the record its full endorsement of the comments submitted by its affiliated state association , the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association ( MEMA ). We commend NEFI and MEMA members and their hard-working professionals in the Commonwealth for their many decades of service to their customers and communities ; and for their continued commitment to delivering safe , reliable , and efficient home comfort products and services for the lowest possible cost and minimal environmental impacts . Sincerely , Sean O . Cota NEFI President & CEO . l FON
14 JUNE 2023 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com