How I Voted: Energy Affordability Bill

Lowering Energy Costs and Strengthening Massachusetts’ Energy Future

Bill: H.5150, Energy Affordability Bill

Date of Vote: February 26, 2026

What Problem Was This Bill Trying to Solve?

Massachusetts residents continue to face some of the highest energy costs in the nation. Rising heating and electricity costs place a significant burden on families, seniors, and businesses across the Commonwealth.

At the same time, Massachusetts must continue investing in a reliable, modern energy system that supports economic growth, protects consumers, and advances long-term energy goals.

This legislation seeks to reduce costs for ratepayers while improving transparency, increasing accountability, and providing additional tools to strengthen the Commonwealth’s energy infrastructure.

What Does the Bill Do?

• Reduces the Mass Save program budget by $1 billion to provide near-term savings for utility ratepayers while prioritizing reductions in administrative, marketing, and advertising expenses.

• Requires the Office of the Inspector General to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Mass Save program and provide recommendations.

• Returns a portion of Alternative Compliance Payments from energy suppliers back to ratepayers.

• Adjusts net metering credit amounts to address costs currently borne by electric ratepayers.

• Requires electric and gas companies to provide discounted rates for eligible low-income and moderate-income customers.

• Limits changes to residential default service rates to no more frequently than once every six months.

• Establishes an electric rates task force to study current and future electricity costs and provide recommendations.

• Expands the Commonwealth’s authority to procure energy resources and services through competitive processes.

• Establishes programs to support energy storage, offshore wind development, and additional energy infrastructure.

• Removes barriers to nuclear energy development while maintaining regulatory oversight.

• Requires labor protections and workforce transition planning as Massachusetts continues its clean energy transition.

• Increases transparency by requiring additional reporting from utilities, suppliers, transmission companies, and other energy providers.

• Protects consumers by restricting certain predatory practices by competitive electric suppliers, including automatic renewals and variable rate contracts.

How I Voted

I voted YES.

Why I Voted This Way

Energy affordability is one of the most important challenges facing Massachusetts families and businesses. Residents should not have to choose between heating their homes, paying their bills, and meeting other basic needs.

Government has a responsibility to protect consumers, spend resources responsibly, and ensure that programs funded by ratepayers are delivering value. This legislation takes important steps toward increasing transparency, improving oversight, and providing immediate relief while continuing to plan for Massachusetts’ long-term energy needs.

A strong energy policy requires balance. We must lower costs for residents today while building a reliable, diverse, and modern energy system that supports economic growth and protects our environment for the future.

I supported this legislation because it provides meaningful savings for ratepayers, strengthens accountability, and moves Massachusetts toward a more affordable and sustainable energy future.