Frequently Asked Questions
Some background on electricity in New England...
How does the electricity system work?
Most electricity in New England is produced by power plants held by private companies. These companies hold contracts with the Independent Systems Operator of New England (ISO-NE) which is the organization that coordinates, controls, and monitors our regional electricity grid. ISO-NE does several things, including making decisions about where to purchase the electricity we use. They also distribute power to your local utility companies, who sell it to you.
How much of our power in New England comes from coal and other fossil fuels?
About half. Use of coal and oil have decreased in recent decades, largely replaced by use of fracked gas. According to ISO-NE’s 2019 data, coal and oil respectively made up 0.5% and 0.2% of our regional energy generation mix, while fracked gas comprised 48.5%. We want to see New England move away from burning all of these fossil fuels, as they all contribute to air pollution and climate change.
Do sources of electricity vary by New England state?
They can. For example, there are places in Maine where local utilities near hydro-electric dams draw their power more from that source. But because New England has a regional grid, a coal plant operating in New Hampshire (for example) would generally supply power to ratepayers throughout New England. So we are all stakeholders with a shared interest in our regional energy mix.
How much of my electricity bill goes to support fossil fuels?
Approximately 10% of a typical New England electricity bill is funneled to fossil fuel plants through “forward capacity payments.” We calculated this figure based on information obtained from ISO-NE.
OK, so what are forward capacity payments?
We’re so glad you asked! Forward capacity payments are subsidies given to power generators to help them stay in the mix. Companies compete for capacity contracts on the forward capacity market, and contract-holders get paid in advance to sit around waiting to be used. The forward capacity market sometimes supports renewables, but many of their contracts amount to corporate welfare keeping fossil fuel plants like the coal-burning Merrimack Generating Station in Bow, NH profitable.
Will this strike actually work?
Who has the power to meet the demands of our strike?
No single utility has the power to cancel capacity contracts with fossil fuel plants across New England and use these funds for better purposes. But with sufficient motivation, we are confident that ISO-NE could coordinate with state Public Utility Commissions and the governors who appoint them to affect real change.
Is there a precedent for this working?
There is a long and proud history of people in New England successfully striking for fair pay, safer working conditions, and healthcare. From the famous 1912 textile mill strike in Lawrence, MA to a telephone bill strike in 1989 to a huge win by grocery workers at Stop&Shop just last spring, strikes have stood the test of time - and in the past few years, they’ve been growing nationwide.Through this strike, we’re building on the pressure ISO-NE already faces to change how they do business. Last November, seven United States Senators from New England sent a letter to ISO-NE CEO Gordan van Welie urging the ISO to cease “preserving the status quo of a fossil fuel-centered resource mix.” In December, the Massachusetts Attorney General launched an effort to educate residents about the public health and economic costs of fossil fuel use, and encouraged them to contact ISO-NE in support of cleaner energy. And in January, the state of Connecticut publicly considered withdrawing from ISO-NE due to their overreliance on fracked gas and “lack of leadership” working toward real solutions. Our New England Utility Strike builds on this foundation, getting people across New England to pay attention to how our regional electricity grid is managed and demand better of those in charge.
How many strikers do we need?
We’re working to organize 1,000 strikers from across New England to start with, and hope to grow from there! But this is much more than just a numbers game. We are also educating ourselves and one another about this broken system, and building a community of solidarity and support along the way. So talk to your friends and neighbors, write to your local paper, and participate in the #coalbucketchallenge to spread the word on social media!
Tell me more about this coal bucket challenge.
Where did the coal come from that is being circulated for the #coalbucketchallenge?
It’s genuine coal from the Merrimack Generating Station in Bow, NH! This is the last big coal plant in New England without a shutdown date, and we have a long-term campaign to shut it down.
Is it OK to send coal in the mail?
Yes! According to the USPS, coal is not a hazardous substance and is safe and legal to mail.
What are the risks to striking?
What will happen after I stop paying my bill?
We expect you’ll get a notice saying you have an outstanding balance and encouraging you to sign onto a payment plan. Your service cannot be disconnected for failure to pay as long as the moratoriums on utility shut-offs currently in place across most of New England continue. If the strike goes on longer than the moratorium in your area, it may be comforting to know that in practice, utility companies generally avoid shutting off peoples’ power, and usually give multiple notices before eventually doing so. You should expect your utility will provide a clear written warning threatening to shut off your power in advance of actually shutting off your power.
Are there added risks for renters?
Unfortunately, yes. Under some rental agreements, failure to pay utility bills can be used as grounds for eviction. If you are a tenant, we’d encourage you to factor your relationship with your landlord into your discernment around the strike. You may also wish to check state and local rules on evictions, as there are currently moratoriums on evictions in some parts of New England that could provide you an added layer of protection if you do choose to strike.
What is the potential legal risk?
Refusing to pay your bill is NOT a criminal act — think of it as breaking a contract. We don’t anticipate legal consequences for this strike. Please note, however, that most of us are not lawyers and this FAQ page is not legal advice.
Can striking affect my credit score?
Depending on how long the strike goes on, your credit score could be marginally affected. Utility companies don’t generally report to credit bureaus, so failure to pay your electric bill wouldn’t directly impact your score. But if an unpaid bill is eventually sent to a collections agency, then it might.
Will my utility bill be forgiven?
It depends on how things go! It is unlikely that utility forgiveness will come from the utility companies directly, but it is within the power of state governments to grant this. The safest thing to do is to plan for the likelihood that your bill will remain and need to be paid after the strike and/or your local moratorium ends. If your utility threatens to shut off power and settling your bill is a financial hardship, please know that we are in this with you. We can’t commit to paying your bill, but we DO promise we’ll try to help you find a solution, like connecting you with a mutual aid organization in your area, or helping you launch a GoFundMe page.
What if I’m signed up for “good” power of some kind?
What happens if I’m signed up for “renewable power” on my electric bill? Do I still pay for forward capacity payments?
It probably depends on your utility company. For many ratepayers, signing up for “renewable power” means at least a portion of your bill helps support investment in renewables, which is great! But if your utility is getting even some or all of your power through ISO-NE’s regional grid, the electricity flowing to you could still be made from fossil fuels based on ISO’s energy mix, and your bill is likely contributing to the forward capacity market.
What if I chose another electrical supplier that isn’t the monopoly utility in my area? If I strike, am I hurting them?
It depends on the particulars of your situation, but in general, yes — striking probably would hurt your utility company of choice. And in most cases your utility company of choice is also still sending your dollars to support capacity payments for coal on the grid.
What if I don’t pay an electricity bill? Can I still participate?
What if somebody else pays the electric bill where I live (e.g. I rent an apartment where utilities are included in my rent)?
You absolutely can still send letters to your local utility and ISO-NE expressing your support for the strike, build up justice by redistributing money to one of our partner organizations, and volunteer with us! We also encourage you to talk about the strike with whoever pays the electricity bill where you live. Even if they aren’t willing to join in, these conversations can plant a seed, and increase awareness about and support for what we are doing.
What if I have solar panels / live off the grid and don’t have a utility bill to strike from?
If you are not paying a utility bill, you are already striking! Good work! Send in your letters and some coal, make a donation to one of our partner organizations as you are able, and come volunteer with us.