Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has taken a series of executive actions aimed at providing financial relief to residents facing soaring energy costs this winter. Citing an ongoing “energy emergency,” Healey signed an executive order on Monday that includes measures to cut electricity fees, expand heating assistance for low-income households, and introduce a new benefit aimed at helping middle-income families manage rising heating oil expenses.
The state has seen a sharp increase in heating oil prices, which have risen more than 70 percent compared to last year, reaching an average of $6.08 per gallon as of late September. These increases are attributed in part to geopolitical tensions and conflicts overseas, a factor Healey has blamed on policies from the Trump administration amid the war in Iran. The executive order is part of Healey’s broader effort to address economic pressures ahead of her reelection bid in November.
One notable step calls for temporarily eliminating a monthly charge known as the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program fee from electric bills for three months starting in January. This fee supports solar energy projects but its suspension is estimated to save ratepayers approximately $80 million. Additionally, the administration plans to reduce contributions to the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, a long-standing incentive program for alternative energy installations, as part of the relief measures.
To directly assist households, Healey announced an increase of $15 million in federal funds allocated to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a program distributing aid to households struggling to pay heating and utility bills. Under LIHEAP, low-income families can receive up to $1,000 for heating oil and propane and $850 for utilities. New to this funding round is a “middle-income heating oil benefit” targeting residents with incomes between 60 and 100 percent of the state median income — roughly under $100,000 annually — with up to $680 available per household. The state expects this program will aid about 50,000 households and has earmarked $34 million to support it.
The administration is funding these efforts in part through alternative compliance payment funds, which are fees paid by electricity suppliers that do not meet renewable energy purchase requirements. These funds typically support clean energy projects but have been redirected temporarily to provide consumer relief.
Healey’s approach has drawn mixed reactions from advocates and political opponents. Some clean energy groups recognize the relief measures as helpful but insufficient, urging a more comprehensive shift away from fossil fuels to address high energy costs more effectively. For instance, Vick Mohanka of the Sierra Club described the actions as “tinkering around the edges,” while Caitlin Peale Sloan from the Conservation Law Foundation called the measures akin to “patching a leak while ignoring the broken pipe.”
Republican gubernatorial candidate Michael Minogue criticized Healey’s efforts as too limited, advocating for a complete elimination of the state gas tax and reductions in what he calls “climate taxes” on utility bills. Minogue also supports rolling back Massachusetts’ goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, though such changes would require approval by the Democrat-controlled legislature.
Alongside the state’s initiatives, the Citizens Energy Corporation, led by former U.S. Representative Joe Kennedy III, is partnering with Massachusetts to establish a “winter warmth fund.” The fund will augment existing heating assistance programs and has begun with a $100,000 commitment from Citizens Energy. Kennedy encouraged private sector involvement to expand support for families facing higher energy bills.
Healey emphasized her ongoing efforts to pursue legislative changes on energy costs but stressed that immediate relief through executive action is necessary while working with the legislature. The measures announced Monday are expected to provide nearly $150 million in relief to Massachusetts households this winter as energy prices continue to challenge consumers statewide.