Recent comments in /f/massachusetts

nexusmoonshot t1_j93hvnj wrote

I have solar that's oversized for my house and usage. My house is national gas, but the previous owner put on an addition but made that an electric zone. I had that room properly insulated and shut down the electric zone. It saved me a small fortune, and now I have a large negative balance with National Grid. I've used my negative balance to credit friends and family for 80 cents on the dollar.

3

nexusmoonshot t1_j93gajr wrote

I live in Worcester county and purchased solar panels about 5 years ago. I cannot attest to the current benefits, but when I bought my panels I got to write off 1/3 of the cost on my federal taxes and an additional $1000 on my MA state tax. I also get paid ~$2k a year (tax free) in renewable energy credits for 10 total years. These factors made it worth it to me, and I haven't had an electricity bill in years -- only a low interest loan payment. In fact, I actually have accrued a large credit with National Grid as my solar system generates much more than I need. I am allowed to credit to then my parents' or friend's account with my excess credit. I will offer them 80 cents on the dollar and it's a good deal for both side. Anyways...

My understanding is that if you elect not to buy your own panels, and someone offers to put them onto your roof for "free", they get all these incentives. Furthermore, my understanding is that the benefit they can therefore offer you a static electricity bill for a number of years which may be a good deal as we all know utility bills rise.

11

End3rWi99in t1_j93fktx wrote

We have more than enough money to do both. The US was sending resources to Ukraine without even affecting its 2022 military budget. The US spends like 3% of its GDP on military infrastructure. Freight railroads are often a PPP between state/federal/private entities, but legislation needs to exist (and are up to date) to ensure minimal standards are maintained. We've been rolling these standards back since 2016, so this was bound to happen.

−4

End3rWi99in t1_j93f9m8 wrote

Unfortunately train derailments, like any other hazard/disaster cannot be reduced to 0%. The difference we can make is to implement the policies at a national level proposed during the Obama administration which standardizes EBS in freight rail, and invests in continuous improvements to aging rail lines. States themselves do also bear responsibility in ensuring rail infrastructure is held to at least minimal standards of safety, and parts of the line near East Palestine were well below standards. Screaming on the internet about one rich CEO is not how you fix this stuff though. It's how you get laughed at.

7

End3rWi99in t1_j93ekcc wrote

The dust caused by something not even related to the train derailment in Ohio, which is not directly the responsibility of the current CEO of Northfolk Southern, a company literally everyone in this community likely relies upon in more ways than they can count. This community is becoming embarrassing.

−11

payter_m8r OP t1_j93e8ry wrote

Reply to comment by jtraf in A new place to call home by payter_m8r

I visited Boston and loved it! This trip to just to look at town. I definitely plan on finding a job first. I’m pretty flexible and willing to commute as much as needed to get a foothold. Even working where I can. I get along with all walks of life so even if I could get a job in a area that is desperate for teachers. Any outlet I can to establish a life in MA

3

Lilslugga2002 t1_j93dzcz wrote

I had a colonoscopy four days after I was laid off. Luckily nothing serious was found.

I got a decent severance and my employer is covering health insurance for six months, plus I got two interviews next week. Also a Florida vacation is coming up. I got that going for me, which is nice.

7

lotusblossom60 t1_j93au5y wrote

Retired and can’t make it. Took in a roommate and a, working part time. Needed to retire due to health but Medicare can just fuck off. It should be called Medicant, as I we can’t cover any of your meds or doctors visits even though you worked your whole life as a teacher and couldn’t save shit even though you worked two jobs.

38