Governor Maura Healey Declares Massachusetts Energy Emergency

Governor Maura Healey declared a state of energy emergency on Monday to combat soaring heating costs in Massachusetts, where heating oil prices have risen 73% since last year. Through an executive order, Healey expanded eligibility for the Home Energy Assistance Program and implemented temporary reductions in residential electric bills, including a three-month removal of the SMART program charge and a 50% cut to the Alternative Portfolio Standard charge.

The administration expects these measures to lower bills for approximately 85% of ratepayers, utilizing alternative compliance payments from electricity suppliers for funding. To provide further relief, the state partnered with the Citizens Energy Corporation to launch the Emergency Winter Warmth Fund, which began with an initial $100,000 contribution from the nonprofit.

Healey attributed the price surges to the Trump administration and the war in Iran, urging the federal government to end the conflict and expedite permits for the Algonquin gas pipeline expansion. She also requested $3 billion in additional federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. These actions occur as energy costs emerge as a central issue in Healey's reelection campaign against Republican Mike Minogue.