Energy

Winter electricity usage may soon rival summer electrical peaks, which surge in large part because of air conditioning.

The legislation repeals a 1982 voter law known as Chapter 503, which requires any new nuclear power plant to get approval from a majority of voters through a statewide ballot initiative.

Littleton-based specialized engineering firm NEO Virtus Engineering has been acquired by Minnesota-based infrastructure and consulting firm WSB.

Framingham-based clean energy infrastructure company Ameresco has named two new co-presidents and an inaugural chief operating officer.

Working as a subcontractor for Virginia-based Dominion Energy, NORESCO will upgrade a chiller plant and modernize on-site backup power generation at the FBI Quantico Complex.

The deal is expected to be finalized this year, pending regulatory approvals.

The Framingham-based firm replaced traditional HVAC systems with American-manufactured, ground-source heat pumps.

"I will also say, without tipping our hand to programs that maybe the governor is not ready to talk about yet, we do have a whole bunch of ideas on mitigating some of the energy costs for businesses, particularly small businesses," Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley said.

Looking ahead to 2026, the company expects revenue to continue upward, projecting 9% growth.

Former Sen. Ben Downing, who had an influential hand in state energy policy during his decade representing the Berkshires, has been appointed the new leader of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center