Press Release: 8/12/2026

Following Report that New England Electricity Customers Overcharged Billions, Governor Healey Calls for Energy Affordability Legislation

 

As basic service rates increase, Governor Healey’s legislation is needed to lower electricity bills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

8/11/2026

 

BOSTON — In response to a recent report finding that New England consumers have paid billions of dollars in additional electricity costs under the current system for purchasing power, and another increase in basic service rates, Governor Maura Healey is reiterating her call for the swift passage of her energy affordability legislation, which will lower energy bills, rein in utility spending and increase energy supply. 

“It is unacceptable that customers are left paying billions of dollars in additional costs because of the way the current system is set up – especially at a time when so many people are already struggling to pay their bills,” said Governor Healey. “As President Trump continues driving up energy prices with his wars and attacks on American-made clean energy supply, we need to be laser-focused on lowering costs here in Massachusetts. That’s why I filed energy affordability legislation last year to change how utilities buy electricity, getting customers a better deal so we can bring down energy bills in Massachusetts. It is so important that we move quickly to get this legislation passed so my administration can implement these critical reforms, and we will keep working with the Legislature to get this done.”

Governor Healey filed energy affordability legislation in May 2025 to avoid big price spikes in basic service rates. Right now, Massachusetts customers are paying more because of the significant volatility in electricity prices. Electricity suppliers have an incentive to pass on those costs to customers. Her legislation helps shield customers from these price spikes by changing the timing and duration of basic service electricity supply procurements. Her legislation would also significantly rein in the predatory practices of competitive electric suppliers to stop overcharging customers and provide a more genuine alternative to basic service rates. These provisions are included in both the House and Senate energy bills. 

Further, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has promoted municipal aggregation plans as a more affordable alternative to basic service. Municipalities can offer prices that remain stable for longer periods of time than basic service. One third of the 242 municipal aggregation plans have been approved since the start of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and new approvals are being issued at a much faster pace.

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