Energy

Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito toured Polar Beverages Thursday in Worcester to highlight recent energy efficiency upgrades.

NEC Energy Solutions of Westborough has been chosen to provide energy storage for a major energy efficiency project in Northern Ireland.

A $12.7-million energy performance contract between Ameresco Inc., an energy efficiency company, and the New Bedford Housing Authority, promises to provide $19.6 million in energy and water cost savings between now and 2036.

Ameresco Inc., a publicly-traded energy company in Framingham, announced on Friday it has completed the second phase of an energy efficiency project for the City of Apple Valley, Minn. The project was financed by an energy savings performance contract and involved several energy conservation measures implemented citywide.

Gov. Charlie Baker and Gov. Chris Sununu, both Republicans, disagree over the value of a regional pact to drive down carbon emissions. Baker said the Transportation Climate Initiative, which could raise that gas tax by 17 cents, is the "best way" for states to meet emission reduction goals.

A proposal to cap carbon emissions from vehicles could add up to 17 cents to the price of a gallon of gas, according to estimates, but could also generate more than $500 million in revenue for the Bay State.

The state's Department of Public Utilities has yet to schedule hearings in the Columbia Gas probe.

Massachusetts is trending toward its long-term greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, but the effort to reduce global emissions is failing, a new report said.

Worcester-based Mass Megawatts Wind Power has announced Thursday the latest version of its solar tracking technology it says can improve power output by 60%.

Framingham energy firm Ameresco has secured a $1.8-million Energy Savings Performance Contract with the Silver Falls School District in Oregon.