Press Release: 3/23/2026
Solar and Storage Industry Statement on Gov. Healey Executive Order to Build More Affordable, Reliable Energy
BOSTON —Today, Governor Maura Healey signed Executive Order 654, which establishes a target of 10 gigawatts (GW) of new energy resources to come online, be under contract, or be in development by 2035. The EO specifically calls for 4 GW of in-state solar and 3.5 GW of demand side resources like virtual power plants. It also calls for an additional 5 GW of energy storage to be online or contracted by 2035.
Following is a statement from Ruthie DeWit, Northeast State Affairs Director of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):
“With energy demand surging and the cost of living front of mind for residents across Massachusetts, every second — and every electron — counts. Our energy supply needs to keep pace with growing demand to keep electricity costs down for Massachusetts residents. Governor Healey’s executive order addresses this challenge head on by targeting the buildout of more solar and storage, the fastest and most affordable forms of energy to add to the grid.
“Furthermore, the order directs commonsense interconnection reforms to help ensure that much-needed projects come online as quickly as possible.
“The solar and storage industry applauds Governor Healey for her thoughtful leadership and partnership. Solar and storage companies are ready to deliver the affordable, reliable power that the people of Massachusetts deserve.”
Massachusetts currently has 5.8 GW of installed solar capacity, the 14th-most of any state and enough to power over 960,000 Massachusetts homes. Massachusetts also has 1 GWh of installed energy storage capacity.
A recent study by SEIA and Synapse Energy Economics found that continuing the state’s leadership on solar and storage delivers real results: more than $313 million in annual consumer savings by 2030 and stronger winter grid reliability.
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Media Contact:
Jacob Weinberg, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), jweinberg@seia.org, 703-350-3774
About SEIA®:
The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy. SEIA works with its 1,200 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org and follow @SEIA on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.