High energy costs are significantly impacting Massachusetts households, yet a new survey reveals that many voters are not primarily blaming Governor Maura Healey. Instead, they point fingers at President Donald Trump and state utility companies.
Key Findings from the Survey
- Responsibility Attribution: 32% of likely voters attribute the high energy costs to Trump, while 28% blame gas and electric utility companies. Only 13% of respondents hold Governor Healey accountable.
- Electricity Costs: Residents in Massachusetts pay approximately double the national average for electricity, making energy affordability a pressing issue.
- Federal Impact: Dan Dolan, head of the New England Power Generators Association, indicated that federal policies have exacerbated regional energy problems.
Background Context
The low blame attributed to Healey is noteworthy, especially as energy prices have been a contentious issue during her term. Evan Horowitz from Tufts’ Center for State Policy Analysis noted that utilities are often seen as greedy corporations, despite state oversight of their profits.
In the poll, only 9% of respondents blamed clean energy initiatives for high costs, increasing to 16% among Republican voters. Current discussions include potential cuts to the state’s energy efficiency program, Mass Save.
Actions Taken
Governor Healey has implemented measures to help alleviate costs, including working with utility companies to delay certain charges and pushing for a review of customer bills. She has also proposed a suspension of the state’s gas tax for two months.
Barbara Kates-Garnick, an energy expert, suggested that the blame should be distributed among various stakeholders rather than pinpointing a single “villain.”
Additional Resources
For those interested in a deeper understanding of the factors driving energy costs, several articles cover related topics, including utility spending, federal decisions, and state policies affecting electricity prices.
- Related Articles: Insights into upcoming electricity price increases, impacts of federal decisions in Nevada, and concerns over rising grid costs in Pennsylvania are also available.
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