# Massachusetts energy cost and supply management

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/massachusetts-energy-cost-and-supply-management
> Updated: 2026-10-09T05:45:58.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has taken several steps to address energy costs and supply in the state. Initially, Healey requested that the federal government expedite reviews and permits for the Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline expansion, known as the RARE Project, to increase capacity and lower costs for approximately 600,000 customers.

Following a 73% increase in heating oil prices over the previous year, Healey declared a state of energy emergency. To mitigate rising utility costs, the administration announced nearly $150 million in measures, including expanded assistance for approximately 50,000 middle-class households using heating oil and increased benefits for 156,000 low-income homes. The Governor also requested $3 billion in federal emergency funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Additional relief measures include a proposed two-month suspension of the state gas tax, which is estimated to reduce statewide gas prices by 24 cents per gallon. To lower electricity bills, the administration plans to eliminate the SMART program charge on residential bills for three months and reduce the Alternative Portfolio Standard by 50 percent this winter. The emergency declaration also activates legal protections against the price gouging of petroleum products.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Massachusetts Governor declares State of Energy Emergency

Governor Maura Healey has declared a State of Energy Emergency in Massachusetts, proposing gas tax suspensions and expanded heating assistance to combat rising energy and fuel costs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/massachusetts-governor-declares-state-of-energy-emergency

### 2026-10-05: Massachusetts Governor declares energy emergency amid rising costs

Governor Maura Healey declared an energy emergency in Massachusetts, announcing $150 million in aid to help households manage rising heating oil and electricity costs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/massachusetts-governor-declares-energy-emergency-amid-rising-costs

### 2026-10-01: Massachusetts Governor Healey urges federal fast-track for gas pipeline expansion

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is urging the Trump administration to fast-track federal permits for the Enbridge-led RARE natural gas pipeline expansion to lower energy costs.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/massachusetts-governor-requests-expedited-review-of-gas-expansion-project

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Cite as: Massachusetts energy cost and supply management. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/massachusetts-energy-cost-and-supply-management