Guyer touts energy bill

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Dalton State Representative Dennis Guyer voiced strong support for a $20 million energy bill aimed at helping needy people pay winter heating bills. The following is a statement released from Guyer's office: "Today I was happy to cast my vote for the Heating Energy Assistance Tax Relief bill. This bill appropriates $20 million to help elders and working families provide heating for their homes this winter. "In addition to helping defray heating costs, the bill seeks to increase consumer awareness of existing discount and rebate programs for those who purchase high-efficiency appliances. It would also require utility companies to establish programs to aid consumers who have difficulty paying their winter heating bills. The bill also extends by five years the Department of Telecommunications and Energy's efficiency charge, which since 1997 has funded a variety of energy-saving programs through a surcharge on electricity usage. "The charge was set to expire in 2007 and generates about $110 million annually. The legislation also provides zero to low interest loans to homeowners for the purchase of photovoltaic systems and energy efficient home improvements. Businesses are provided cost-saving incentives such as a one-time tax credit of up to $300 towards the purchase of a solar water heating systems. "Additionally, the bill provides for a 10-day sales tax holiday for the purchase of certain Energy Star rated appliances. The holiday will take place from October 13, 2006 to October 22, 2006 and will include the Columbus Day holiday. "The bill is now headed to the Senate for passage and then onto the Governor for his signature." Other Highlights of the Legislation: 1. Appropriate $20 Million for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Two phase state disbursal: $5 million available immediately, fifteen million appropriated as soon as all federal funds have been awarded and/or exhausted. 2. Extend the Systems Benefit Charge Collected on Gas and Electric Utilities: Extend the existing utility energy efficiency $0.0025 per kilowatt hour charge that funds the Residential Conservation Service Program, for an additional five years through 2012. 3. Raise Electric and Gas Low-Income Eligibility Rate from 175% to 200% 4. Establish Low-Income Arrearage Program: Require gas and electric companies to coordinate with the Department of Telecommunications and Energy a program to assist low income customers in dealing with their overdue payments and help to prevent utility shutoffs. 5. Home Heating Income Tax Deduction for Oil and Natural Gas: Deduction of up to $800 for home heating oil and natural gas expenses. For individuals with incomes up to $50,000 and joint filers up to $75,000. Applies to renters if their heat is included in their rent. 6. Energy Efficiency Tax Credits: Credit of 30% of the price or up to $600 toward purchase of residential energy efficient heating items such as: home insulation, new windows, advanced thermostats, and energy efficient furnaces. 7. Business Tax Credit for Installation of Solar Water Heating Units: One-time tax credit of 15% or $300 to Massachusetts businesses to offset the cost of purchasing a solar water heating system. 8. Massachusetts Green Building Plan: Direct Division of Capital Asset Management and the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation to develop a plan to promote green building technology in the state. 9. Establish Fuel Cell Initiative: Develop a plan to accelerate the development of technological advancement in fuel cell technology. 10. Generate Energy Discount Public Awareness Program: Department of Telecommunications and Energy directs Massachusetts utility companies to disburse mailings to consumers on the availability of cost saving discounts and rebates. 11. Create Zero Interest Loans for Photovoltaic Systems: Direct Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation to provide at least $1 million in zero interest loans to residential customers to offset the cost of a photovoltaic system. 12. Create Zero Interest Loans for Energy Efficient Home Improvements: Direct Division of Energy Resources to provide at least $5 million in zero interest loans for energy efficiency residential improvements, funded from the Residential Conservation Service Program’s system benefit charge administered by all Massachusetts gas and electric utilities. 13. 10 Day Sales Tax Holiday on Certain Energy Star Rated Appliances: The holiday will take place from October 13-October 22 in the calendar year 2006 (including Columbus Day).
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Lanesborough Fifth-Graders Win Snowplow Name Contest

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — One of the snowplows for Highway District 1 has a new name: "The Blizzard Boss."
 
The name comes from teacher Gina Wagner's fifth-grade class at Lanesborough Elementary School. 
 
The state Department of Transportation announced the winners of the fourth annual "Name A Snowplow" contest on Monday. 
 
The department received entries from public elementary and middle school classrooms across the commonwealth to name the 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service during the 2025/2026 winter season. 
 
The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during winter operations. 
 
"Thank you to all of the students who participated. Your creativity allows us to highlight to all, the importance of the work performed by our workforce," said  interim MassDOT Secretary Phil Eng.  
 
"Our workforce takes pride as they clear snow and ice, keeping our roads safe during adverse weather events for all that need to travel. ?To our contest winners and participants, know that you have added some fun to the serious take of operating plows. ?I'm proud of the skill and dedication from our crews and thank the public of the shared responsibility to slow down, give plows space and put safety first every time there is a winter weather event."
 
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