Massachusetts energy bill touts up to $14 billion in savings, but ratepayers doubt relief

High energy costs continue to squeeze Massachusetts residents, and the state's broad promises of relief have not yet shown up on monthly bills.

That skepticism remains even as lawmakers fight over affordability legislation that the Senate says would save ratepayers about $14 billion over the next decade.

Here's what to know

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said her administration is looking at additional help for residents, with particular attention to households that heat with oil or propane, NBC Boston reported.

After the House and Senate sent their competing energy bills to a conference committee in late July, negotiators still have not resolved the major differences between them.

House leaders say H.5151 would reduce costs by about $9 billion over 10 years. Senate leaders say S.3166 would produce about $14 billion in savings over the same period. Healey has also said the bill she filed would "actually save ratepayers $13 billion over the next 10 years."

What is still unclear is how quickly families would see any of that relief reflected in their monthly bills.

For residents already stretched by housing, heating, and electricity expenses, the lack of a clear timeline is fueling more frustration.

During a conversation with Healey, Penny, a resident in Mansfield, vented that frustration. "My concern is my Eversource bills," Penny began. "I'm being charged for maintenance and infrastructure 75% of my bill when my usage is 12%."

More background

In 2024, natural gas was the most common heating source in Massachusetts, followed by electricity. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, those two sources together heated more than 2 million homes, or nearly 75% of the state.

Oil still heated more than 572,000 homes in 2024, representing about 20.2% of households. Another roughly 125,000 homes, or 4.4%, used propane.

As a result, hundreds of thousands of households are still vulnerable to shifts in global fossil fuel prices.

Healey said the Trump administration's efforts to reduce renewable energy, including offshore wind, shrink supply and help keep prices high. She also backed an "all-of-the-above" energy approach. "With more supply comes lower costs," Healey added. "I support all forms of energy right now, with the exception of oil and coal, of course."

What's being done?

Healey said she is weighing options through both legislation and executive action.

While pressing lawmakers to get an energy bill to her quickly, she said her administration is also discussing what direct "relief we can provide to people in Massachusetts."

Addressing Penny directly, Healey said, "Your Eversource bill, Penny, is my concern. And my legislation will take those charges off of your bill."

Healey has also said she supports small modular nuclear, and she said data center projects will need local approval before state agencies issue permits.

Those choices could affect the state's energy demand, the sources used to meet it, and the people who ultimately bear the cost.

Healey said, "We're dealing with an energy crisis, a cost crisis. We got to get energy costs down. There's a way to do that here in Massachusetts."

Where can I learn more?

For more on how Massachusetts and other states are trying to lower energy bills, these articles offer useful context.

• Massachusetts senators advanced a $14 billion savings plan, though customer bills may stay high.

• As temperatures topped 90, Beacon Hill passed another major energy savings bill aimed at long-term relief.

• Oregon lawmakers approved a bill speeding projects through review to cut utility costs.

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