Massachusetts Senate passes energy‑affordability bill to curb utility costs

A Massachusetts Senate vote approved a sweeping energy‑affordability bill that aims to save residents about $14 billion over ten years by overhauling procurement, limiting third‑party electric suppliers and allowing utilities to securitize spending. The legislation also promotes plug‑in solar, phases out certain gas infrastructure spending and ties data‑center tax credits to clean‑energy criteria.

The measure arrives amid reports linking aggressive renewable‑energy mandates to rising electricity prices and economic strain in the state and elsewhere. Climate activists have urged officials to address soaring utility bills, while critics argue that subsidies for wind and solar increase costs for households and energy‑intensive industries.