Massachusetts Governor declares State of Energy Emergency

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has declared a State of Energy Emergency and proposed several measures to mitigate rising costs for residents. Through an Executive Order, the Governor is expanding eligibility for home heating assistance, including a new benefit for approximately 50,000 middle-class households that rely on heating oil. Additionally, heating assistance for roughly 156,000 low-income households under the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will be increased.

To lower utility costs, the plan includes eliminating the SMART program charge on residential electric bills for three months and reducing the Alternative Portfolio Standard by 50 percent this winter. These actions are intended to lower energy bills for approximately 85 percent of ratepayers. The declaration of an energy emergency also activates legal protections against the price gouging of petroleum products.

Furthermore, Governor Healey has proposed a two-month suspension of the state gas tax, which would reduce statewide gas prices by an estimated 24 cents per gallon. To support broader relief, the Governor has also urged Congressional leaders to provide an additional $3 billion in emergency funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).