The Truth About MA Energy Costs
The most expensive parts of your bill are distribution and transmission. The cost of pipes, wires, and the physical infrastructure to deliver energy to your home have increased more than any other charge on your utility bill over the last decade.
Energy supply is the next biggest cost driver. The volatile prices of oil and gas, particularly in periods of international instability, are costing Massachusetts residents millions. Between 2024 and 2025 alone, the cost of natural gas increased 112%. Clean energy prices, by comparison, are stable and set in power-purchase agreements or, in the case of behind-the-meter solar, cost you no money at all once installed.
Clean energy saves money by powering the grid when demand is highest. When temperatures are high in the summer and low in the winter, solar, wind, and storage help save residents money by replacing expensive fossil fuel generation with renewable power.
Maura Healey's Wins
The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Energy Affordability Agenda has worked to create win-wins on lower emissions and lower costs, prioritizing common-sense solutions that bring new clean energy online, reduce our reliance on foreign fossil fuels, and hold utilities accountable.
Lowering our utility bills
- During the coldest months of 2026, Governor Healey announced direct bill relief of 25% on residential electric bills and 10% on residential heating bills.
- Governor Healey oversaw the completion of the NECEC hydropower transmission line, which is expected to power 20% of Massachusetts’s electricity and save ratepayers $50 million a year.
- The Governor’s full Energy Affordability Agenda is projected to save residents over $10 billion over the next decade.
Delivering clean, home-grown energy
- In April, the Healey-Driscoll Administration officially activated the Vineyard Wind contracts, which will provide offshore wind power saving Massachusetts residents $1.4 billion over the next 20 years.
- Under Governor Healey, the state’s flagship solar incentive program was updated to SMART 3.0, making it easier for residents to be compensated for small residential solar projects on their homes.
- The Department of Energy Resources is overseeing a first-of-its-kind energy storage grant program which is providing $50 million in grants to help municipalities advance cost-saving storage projects for residents.
Helping cities and towns save
- Under Maura Healey, nearly 300 municipalities across Massachusetts receive support to lower emissions and energy cots in schools and other municipal buildings as part of the successful Green Communities program.
- The Department of Energy Resources has awarded over $42 million in grants since 2023 to decarbonize affordable housing, as well as over $70 million in Green Schools funding to lower energy costs and provide on-site generation to K-12 schools through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.
Standing up to utilities
- Governor Healey helped secure a landmark FERC decision delivering $100 million in annual savings for New England ratepayers by lowering utilities’ return on equity for transmission lines.
- The 2024 clean energy law signed by the Governor created new tools for the Department of Public Utilities to investigate gas companies’ spending on pipe infrastructure, ensuring that utilities are not unnecessary gold-plating or investing in assets that are not necessary when cheaper alternatives are available.
Press
Para frenar los efectos del cambio climático en Lawrence y más allá
La actual ola de calor veraniega, en medio de la década más calurosa de la que se tiene constancia, es sólo el último recordatorio de que el cambio climático no es un problema abstracto para las generaciones futuras.2022 Climate Champions
In 2022, Massachusetts voters have a chance to elect champions who will help lead the fight against climate change here in the Commonwealth and around the country! The Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund IE has endorsed these climate champions in the Democratic Primary elections on September 6th, 2022.
Maura Healey for Massachusetts Governor
Took on powerful interests – including Big Oil and opioid companies – as Attorney General to protect Massachusetts residents
Will make Massachusetts a national leader on clean energy and prepare our cities and towns to respond to the challenges of climate change
To learn more about Maura, visit https://maurahealey.com/.
Andrea Campbell for Massachusetts Attorney General
Championed the public interest as an experienced attorney and made history as the first Black woman to serve as President of the Boston City Council
Will continue Maura Healey’s legacy as Attorney General, taking on big businesses that pollute our air and water and fighting for environmental justice
To learn more about Andrea, visit https://www.andreacampbell.org/.
Chris Dempsey for Massachusetts State Auditor
Fought to make the public transportation system safer, more accessible, and accountable as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Governor Deval Patrick
Will hold government accountable and help the state stay on track to reduce emissions
To learn more about Chris, visit https://dempseyforauditor.com.
Pavel Payano for State Senate, 1st Essex District
Advocated for policies that support local families and prioritized economic equity as a Lawrence City Councilor
Will advance renewable energy initiatives and fight for climate policies that will create healthier, more resilient communities throughout the Commonwealth
To learn more about Pavel, visit https://www.pavelpayano.com/.
Photo Credit: Andover Townsman
Jake Oliveira for State Senate, Hampden, Hampshire, Worcester District
Secured millions of dollars for public higher education, local infrastructure projects, and small businesses as a State Representative
Will preserve local parks, rivers and open spaces, and work to protect cities and towns from harmful pollutants that threaten public health
To learn more about Jake, visit https://www.jakeoliveira.org/.
Sarah Peake for State Representative, 4th Barnstable District
Secured millions of dollars to support affordable housing, local schools, rural transportation, and water quality improvements as a State Representative
Will implement flood risk protection legislation and support investments in resilience efforts to safeguard communities from the impacts of sea level rise
To learn more about Sarah, visit https://www.sarahpeake.net/.
Roberto Jiménez Rivera for State Representative, 11th Suffolk District
Advocated for student safety and increased school funding during the COVID-19 pandemic as a Chelsea School Committee Member and organizer for the Boston Teachers Union
Will champion efforts to improve air quality monitoring and accountability, and expand energy efficiency programs that will reduce costs and combat climate change
To learn more about Roberto, visit https://electroberto.org/.Photo Credit: Timothy Peng, The Boston Globe
Zoe Dzineku for State Representative, 16th Middlesex District
Protected voting rights during the pandemic as the Chair of the Lowell Election Commission
Will work to make households and public transportation more energy efficient, and expand access to new jobs and economic opportunities in the clean energy sector
To learn more about Zoe, https://www.govotezoe.com/.
Manny Cruz for State Representative, 7th Essex District
Advocated for and secured vital funding for local schools and community projects as the Vice Chair of the Salem School Committee and District Director for State Representative Paul Tucker
Will expand bus, ferry, and commuter rail services and make public transportation more reliable and energy efficient
To learn more about Manny, visit https://www.mannycruz.org/.
Katrina Huff-Larmond for State Senate, 2nd Plymouth & Norfolk District
- Broke barriers as the first woman of color to serve as Vice President of the Randolph Town Council
- Will make public transportation more sustainable and prioritize environmental health in all communities
To learn more about Katrina, visit https://katrinaforsenate.com/.
