High energy bills are impacting Massachusetts households significantly. A recent survey indicates that voters are largely not holding Governor Maura Healey accountable. Instead, many blame President Donald Trump and state utility companies for the rising costs, according to the CommonWealth Beacon.
Key Points:
- Survey Insights: A CommonWealth Beacon-MassINC Polling Group survey revealed that 32% of likely voters attribute high energy costs to Trump, and 28% to gas and electric utilities. Only 13% blame Governor Healey.
- Energy Costs Context: Massachusetts residents pay approximately double the national average for electricity, making energy affordability a pressing concern.
- Expert Comments: Dan Dolan, president of the New England Power Generators Association, noted that federal actions have exacerbated energy issues in the region.
- Political Reactions: The low blame assigned to Healey could have political implications as energy prices continue to pose challenges in her first term. Evan Horowitz from Tufts University comments that many see utilities as “greedy corporations” despite state oversight of their profit structures.
Current Actions:
- Governor Healey has initiated efforts to reduce consumer costs, including working with utilities to delay charges and urging a review of customer bills. She has also proposed suspending the state gas tax for two months.
Broader Context:
- The survey found only 9% think clean energy programs are responsible for high costs.
- Legislative debates are ongoing regarding the state’s energy efficiency program, Mass Save, with House Democrats proposing significant cuts to alleviate costs, which the Senate has rejected.
For further insights into the factors affecting energy prices and related political discourse, additional resources are available.
