Healey plans big winter energy cost cut, but there's a tradeoff
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Gov. Maura Healey has a big election year plan to lower Massachusetts residents' utility bills this winter: by pumping $180 million of state money into temporary discounts for ratepayers.
Why it matters: Energy affordability has become the central political issue in New England for 2026 as residents face volatile utility prices on top of inflation, rising medical bills and other costs.
- The spending will temporarily reduce residential electric and gas bills in February and March.
How it works: The state will tap $180 million from a fund generated by fees utilities pay when they fail to meet renewable energy requirements to cover the bill reductions.
- Electric bills will go down 25%. Gas will see a 10% reduction.
Yes, but: Healey's plan will shift some costs from winter heating months to spring and summer when bills are lower. Utility companies will charge higher than usual off-peak rates to recoup some of the winter discounts.
- 10% of the electric savings will be deferred to monthly bills April through December.
- The entire 10% off gas bills will be recouped by companies from May to October.
State of play: The relief applies only to residential customers of National Grid, Eversource, Unitil, Liberty Gas and Berkshire Gas.
Catch up quick: Last year, National Grid proposed gas rate increases around $24-$25 a month.
- The Department of Public Utilities launched an investigation into delivery charges after some bills jumped 50%.
What's next: Healey's has a longer-term energy supply bill in the mix as lawmakers consider structural reforms beyond temporary relief.
The bottom line: Ratepayers will see lower bills during the peak winter months but most of the savings will be recouped by the utility companies through higher charges later this year.