Press Release: 3/17/2026

Governor Healey Takes Action to Bring in 10 GW Of New Energy, Save $10 Billion and Promote Energy Independence

 



Governor says Massachusetts needs all-of-the-above approach to achieve energy independence and lower energy bills 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



3/16/2026



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Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary



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Call Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at (617) 725-4025



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Email Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at jacqui.manning@mass.gov



WINCHESTER — Governor Maura Healey today is setting strong new targets for bringing more energy into Massachusetts and lowering energy bills. The Executive Order she signed today outlines her all-of-the-above approach to energy supply and directs her administration to secure 10 new gigawatts (GW) of energy resources for Massachusetts by 2035, as well as 5 GW of new energy storage.  



Governor Healey's directive requires agencies to pursue a range of energy resources and ensure adequate supplies in place to meet growing demand and lower bills. The Executive Order outlines directives for state agencies related to solar, storage, wind, load management, gas, nuclear, and geothermal, leading to an estimated savings of $10 billion for Massachusetts residents and businesses. Governor Healey signed the Executive Order at Lynch Elementary School in Winchester, which is powered entirely from roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar.



Governor Healey laid out her energy supply plan amidst a dramatic spike in oil and gas prices due to President Trump’s costly war and his failed energy policies that have taken American sources of energy like wind and solar off the table.



“The American people are now paying the price as oil and gas bills go through the roof because of President Trump’s costly war,” said Governor Healey. “I believe in an all-of-the-above approach to energy – that means solar, wind, gas, nuclear and hydro. While the President is taking American-built energy sources off the table, in Massachusetts, we are saying yes to more supply from more sources of energy. We are saying yes to American jobs and American energy independence. And we are saying yes to lowering energy bills for all.” 

 



“When we invest in Massachusetts energy, we invest in Massachusetts energy jobs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It’s Massachusetts gas, solar, offshore wind and electric workers that are keeping our lights on, homes warm and businesses moving. For many, these are 24/7, 365-day jobs. We need to support our in-state energy supply and the workforce that makes it possible.” 



“Setting firm targets and laying out a clear energy supply strategy will provide certainty and stability as we work to lower energy bills,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “And by building more energy resources with a fixed price, we can give Massachusetts a competitive edge. We’re going to work as a region to power our communities and ensure more affordable, reliable service.”



More Energy for Massachusetts



ISO New England projects that electricity consumption could rise by nearly 15 percent by 2035 and 50 percent by 2045, with peak electricity demand in the winter growing even faster. This is true across the country, as demand for electricity climbs and the cost to update the aging American electrical grid rises.  



The Executive Order establishes a target of 10 GW of new energy supply-side and demand-side resources over the next 10 years, as well as a separate target for 5 GW of energy storage. 10 GW is roughly the equivalent of enough power for 2 million households. The 10 GW target includes 4 GW of new in-state solar and 3.5 GW of new electric demand reduction to be achieved through load management strategies such as energy efficiency, virtual power plants, and electric vehicle charging management. This builds on Massachusetts’ successful strategy of demand management over the past 20 years, during which electricity demand has declined while the economy has grown, increasing our overall energy productivity. Because of these past investments, all customers are saving $800 million every year – or on average, $20 each month – due to utilities not needing to spend on transmission and distribution infrastructure or buy electricity for their customers.



How We Get There



Governor Healey is directing agencies to take a number of immediate steps to get more affordable energy built in the near future, including to:




  • Ramp up efforts to build more solar projects before President Trump ends federal support;

  • Expand opportunities for wind, nuclear power, and fusion energy;

  • Explore natural gas and other fuel storage and delivery strategies to ensure reliability, avoid unnecessary spending and charges, and reduce reliance on imported liquefied natural gas.

  • Lower the cost of geothermal for heating and cooling; and,

  • Allow for flexible interconnection to make better use of the energy grid we already have and get more energy connected faster and cheaper.



Governor Healey filed the Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act to lower energy bills and bring more supply into Massachusetts. The legislation includes a key provision that would give the state more flexibility in procuring a range of energy resources when costs are at their lowest, rather than on a rigid schedule that locks ratepayers into high costs.  



Statements of Support:



Brooke Thomson, President and CEO, Associated Industries of Massachusetts



“We applaud Governor Healey and her team for working to keep Massachusetts businesses competitive by offering solutions that can generate energy cost savings at a time when everything is more expensive. Massachusetts energy costs are some of the highest in the nation and at a time when the costs of running a business and raising a family are daunting to our employers and families, action like this is exactly what the Commonwealth needs to ensure we remain a place where everyone can afford to live, raise a family and open a business."



JD Chesloff, President & CEO, Massachusetts Business Roundtable



“While the cost of energy continues to be a threat to the state’s competitiveness, we at the Massachusetts Business Roundtable are encouraged that the Healey-Driscoll Administration and state leaders continue to take action to address it. From tackling permitting and siting reforms, to targeting winter energy bills, to the announcement today to increase supply and improve reliability, the Governor and her team, in partnership with the Legislature, continue to thoughtfully and aggressively chip away at one of the key drivers of our state’s cost of living and cost of doing business challenges. We are grateful for this work, the partnership, and broad commitment to address the state’s competitiveness.”



Chrissy Lynch, President, AFL-CIO



"Massachusetts needs more reliable energy and more union jobs - and we need them quickly. Working families shouldn’t have to purchase energy from billionaire oil tycoons and foreign governments. Governor Healey knows that our highly-skilled building trades and utility workforces are ready to meet this moment—we can generate and distribute massive amounts of energy right here in Massachusetts, creating thousands of union jobs and providing financial relief for working families at the same time."



Lou Antonellis, Business Manager, IBEW 103 



"IBEW 103 is proud to stand with Governor Healey and her administration to get more energy projects built in Massachusetts. A strong energy infrastructure will pay dividends — more jobs, lower energy bills, and healthier communities. We're ready to get to work to help build the energy future envisioned today."



Kristen Gowin, Executive Manager, Boston Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association



“The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) of Greater Boston strongly supports Governor Healey's commitment to expanding energy supply, improving reliability, and helping make Massachusetts more affordable for residents and businesses. Achieving these goals will require an all-of-the-above energy strategy and sustained investment in modern, resilient energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth.



Responsible electrical contractors and a highly skilled union workforce will play a critical role in building and maintaining the systems needed to deliver reliable, affordable power while advancing Massachusetts’ energy and climate goals. NECA contractors and our IBEW Local 103 workforce are proud to construct the electrical infrastructure that powers our homes, businesses, and communities.



We look forward to working with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to help ensure these investments strengthen the Commonwealth’s communities, support economic competitiveness, and reinforce Massachusetts’ long-term leadership in energy innovation and reliability.”



Jeannie Salo, Chief Public Policy Officer, North America, Schneider Electric



“As the largest clean energy employer in the Commonwealth, Schneider Electric is committed to advancing energy tech that enhances reliability and affordability for our customers. We commend Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll for this bold step to develop a next-generation grid — and we look forward to continuing to serve as the state’s most prominent Energy Technology Partner to turn this vision into tangible outcomes for Massachusetts."



Elizabeth Turnbull Henry, President, Environmental League of Massachusetts



"ELM applauds the continued efforts to bring affordable and reliable clean energy to Massachusetts. As we face escalating energy prices, it remains paramount that we maximize energy efficiency and available clean energy resources while reducing our reliance on volatile fossil fuels. The result is a win-win-win for our economy, communities, and environment.”



Nathan Raike, Manager of State and Local Affairs, RENEW Northeast



“Clean Energy is essential in strengthening grid reliability and lowering costs for consumers. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to expanding clean energy resources again demonstrates Massachusetts leadership in building a more affordable, resilient, and clean energy system. RENEW Northeast looks forward to working with the Administration and regional partners to deploy the storage and large-scale clean energy resources needed to power New England’s future.”



Michael Monahan, International Vice President, IBEW Second District



“Governor Healey’s Executive Order clearly defines what an all-of-the-above energy strategy means: renewables, storage, efficiency, gas, nuclear, fusion, hydro, transmission, and geothermal. We need it all—period. Her focus on building these resources in Massachusetts and across New England is also key to creating jobs for our IBEW brothers and sisters. I applaud the Governor for being bold in her call to action, responsible in examining a broad range of energy resources, and clear that our existing energy system—and the workforce that keeps it running—is critical to meeting our energy needs.”



Tamara Small, CEO, NAIOP Massachusetts



“We need more affordable energy to grow our economy and power our buildings. The Governor’s Executive Order expands all forms of energy supply while giving building owners and operators more options to manage energy use and monetize their investments. We also applaud the Governor for directing her agencies to make the interconnection process faster and less costly. Increased certainty will be key to reducing both project costs and timelines for critical housing and economic development projects.”



Daniel Leary, President, UWUA Local 369



"This Executive Order is both bold and pragmatic. We need more energy, we need to be smarter about how we use the energy we have, and we need to invest in our own energy future. That is exactly what this order does. It recognizes the value of the energy resources we have today and the workers who keep our energy system running safely and reliably. It sets a course to build more energy here in Massachusetts—creating jobs and strengthening our economy—while taking a clear-eyed, all-of-the-above approach to keeping energy affordable and reliable.”



John G. Tzimorangas, President and CEO, Energy New England



“I want to thank Governor Healey for inviting me to the Executive Order announcement related to the Commonwealth’s roadmap for energy resources as we navigate the ever-changing energy landscape. This approach will assist the Commonwealth in working toward its goals while stabilizing the energy affordability we are seeking. This approach has served the public power utilities in the Commonwealth, as they continue to work toward the committed goals of providing non-emitting stable and affordable energy to their customers. This new approach for the Commonwealth will hopefully mirror this and allow for different approaches to our energy challenges.”



Steve Long, Director of Policy and Partnerships, The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts



“We applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration's unwavering commitment to clean energy at a time when it matters most. This Executive Order delivers real, affordable energy solutions to families and communities. Massachusetts continues to demonstrate the kind of national leadership that steps up when it's needed.”



Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President, Climate & Energy, Conservation Law Foundation



"We applaud Governor Healey’s focus on lowering energy costs and her long held principle that customers shouldn’t be forced to subsidize costly and polluting fossil fuel infrastructure. The Governor’s comprehensive review of energy supply and affordability is especially important and welcome in this moment, when conflict is roiling the world markets that set oil and gas prices and vividly illustrating how perilous fossil fuel dependence is for the region’s economy and every family's finances."



Rebecca Davis, Chief Operating Officer, The Massachusetts Competitive Partnership



"Massachusetts' long-term economic competitiveness depends on having an energy system that is reliable, affordable, and capable of meeting growing demand. Expanding our energy supply is essential to ensuring reliability, stabilizing costs for residents and employers, and supporting continued economic growth. The Massachusetts Competitive Partnership looks forward to working with the Healey-Driscoll Administration and other stakeholders to identify solutions that will help secure a resilient and competitive energy future for Massachusetts.”



Gustavo Quiroga, Executive Director, LISC Massachusetts



"LISC Massachusetts applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration for taking proactive steps to advance a sustainable and resilient energy strategy that helps to lower energy costs for residents and housing owners across the state. Any plan for affordable, reliable energy means enabling the connection of more clean energy to the grid, not less; and it means supporting a wide range of energy efficiency initiatives to help rate payers lower their bills, not cutting those programs. The recommendations in this Executive Order will help all ratepayers, but they are especially helpful for owners & operators of multifamily affordable housing who are leading efforts to invest in high-efficiency, clean energy-powered buildings that use less energy, make the grid more resilient for everyone, and create safer and more comfortable homes for low-income residents."



Lindsay Bourgoine, Vice President of Policy, Solar Energy Business Association of New England (SEBANE)



“SEBANE applauds Governor Healey's continued support of solar and storage in the Commonwealth. With today's executive order, we believe the Healey-Driscoll administration is hitting all the right buttons: advancing solar and energy storage, accelerating the interconnection process, and pushing for time-based utility rates—this combination will be a powerful driver of new clean energy resources and affordable, local electricity for the people of Massachusetts.”



Alicia Barton, CEO, Vineyard Offshore



“Vineyard Offshore thanks Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll for their continued leadership and for issuing this Executive Order to help accelerate the deployment of new clean energy resources to meet Massachusetts’ growing energy needs. Expanding homegrown clean energy will help ensure the Commonwealth’s power supply remains affordable and reliable while reducing reliance on imported fuels. This strong signal will help unlock the investments needed to build new energy supplies and stabilize energy costs for residents and businesses.”



Andy Bowman, CEO, Jupiter Power



“By encouraging private investment in battery storage, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is making a smart move that will help to avoid or delay billions in ratepayer money to upgrade the grid. Battery storage will increase energy supply when demand is high, diminish peak power price surges and support a more resilient power system.”



Zaid Ashai, CEO, Nexamp



"As a company founded right here in the Commonwealth, Nexamp applauds Governor Healey for taking decisive action to increase energy supply and make Massachusetts more affordable. Solar and battery storage are among the fastest, most cost-effective ways to bring new generation online, and we're ready to help deliver on that promise. With demand rising and costs a real concern for families, it has never been more critical to expand supply, lower electricity bills, and strengthen grid resilience all at the same time. Massachusetts has been a pioneer in clean energy, and we're proud to partner with this administration to keep it that way."



Ted Wiley, President and COO, Form Energy



"We applaud Governor Healey's effort to speed up the deployment of new energy resources to meet the current moment. Form Energy stands ready to answer Massachusetts' call for more affordable, reliable energy with our breakthrough multi-day energy storage systems, developed right here in the Commonwealth."



Juliana Mandell, Partner, Flatiron Energy



“We commend Governor Healey for her visionary plan for energy affordability and reliability in Massachusetts. Flatiron Energy is committed to safe, economic, and reliable energy storage solutions to support communities as energy demands grow.”



Sean Finnerty, CEO of BlueWave



“With this Executive Order, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is taking major strides toward adding new electricity supply onto the grid to meet the Commonwealth’s growing energy needs. From big picture procurement targets to tactical programmatic improvements, these actions will allow the clean energy industry to build with confidence in Massachusetts, driving more affordable and diversified energy supply. We appreciate the Administration’s continued commitment to removing roadblocks for responsible clean energy development.”



Lawrence Lessard, President, New England Geothermal Professional Association, Inc.



“The New England Geothermal Professional Association (NEGPA) supports Governor Healy’s bold and pragmatic executive order that will increase energy supply and reduce peak energy demand. The increased use of geothermal systems will both reduce fossil fuel use and electrical peak demand, limiting the need for electric grid expansion. NEGPA and our members look forward to expanding our existing, home-grown geothermal industry to support the Commonwealth’s energy and climate goals. The Governor’s executive order will lead to more well-paying geothermal jobs in Massachusetts.”



Ruairi O’Mahony, Associate Vice Chancellor for Sustainability and Enterprise Development, Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy, UMass Lowell



“Massachusetts is making decisive, forward-looking decisions needed to strengthen energy supply, create well paying jobs, and bolster economic development statewide. At the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy at UMass Lowell, we are committed to partnering with the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the legislature to foster new discovery and innovation, equip the state’s future energy workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in a globally competitive space, and ultimately anchor major investments to support the Commonwealth’s innovation economy.”



Maggie McCarey, Vice President of Policy and Strategy, Dandelion Energy



"We applaud Governor Healey's commitment to increasing energy supply, improving reliability, and making Massachusetts more affordable for residents and businesses. Geothermal is the most energy efficient and affordable solution to heat and cool homes, and Dandelion Energy looks forward to partnering with the Healey Administration to ensure it plays a central role in the Commonwealth's energy future."



Kate Daniel, Northeast Regional Director, Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA)



"In the midst of another global conflict driving surges in fossil fuel prices, Governor Healey’s announcement could not be more timely. Massachusetts needs local, reliable energy that will keep prices low and the lights on. Solar and energy storage are ready to deliver quickly, affordably, and at scale — especially with efforts to streamline processes and cut red tape. CCSA looks forward to working with the Administration to help achieve the Governor’s ambitious goals."



Lindsay Griffin, Northeast Regulatory Director, Vote Solar



"The Healey-Driscoll administration is taking an important step toward building a more flexible and reliable clean energy system. Targeting new renewable capacity while addressing interconnection backlogs, modernizing rate design, and expanding flexible resources like storage and load management will help ensure the grid can keep pace with growing demand. Directives like these, paired with strong legislative and regulatory action, can unlock new solar development, lower system costs, and make it easier for clean energy projects to come online when Massachusetts needs them most—this is what moves Massachusetts toward an affordable, clean energy future."



Valessa Souter-Kline, Northeast Managing Director, Advanced Energy United.



“The best way to keep the lights on and bring electricity costs down is to get more energy onto the grid. We’re pleased to see the Healey-Driscoll Administration moving forward with a plan to add significant new energy resources, including in-state solar, demand-side resources, and energy storage. Setting clear targets to bring 10 gigawatts of new energy online, along with major new investments in storage, will help strengthen reliability and ensure the region has the power it needs to meet growing demand.”