Her administration is allocating an additional $15 million for winter heating assistance aimed at low-income residents and is introducing a new middle-income heating oil benefit for those with incomes between 60% and 100% of the state median income. This program is projected to cost around $34 million and assist approximately 50,000 households, with each eligible household receiving up to $680.
Additionally, the Healey administration will reduce the contributions ratepayers make to the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, a program in place for 17 years that incentivizes the installation of eligible alternative energy systems.
These initiatives come amidst rising energy costs, which Healey has attributed, in part, to the Trump administration’s actions related to the war in Iran. As she is on the ballot for re-election on November 3, she has been active in pushing for legislative action on energy costs and has previously suggested temporarily suspending the state gas tax, an idea met with resistance from many lawmakers.
Healey emphasized her commitment to reducing costs for Massachusetts residents in her recent statements and indicated that her executive actions through emergency measures could provide nearly $150 million in relief for households. Funding for these measures will partly derive from alternative compliance payment funds, typically used for local and state clean energy projects.
Her administration is also collaborating with Citizens Energy Corporation to establish a “winter warmth fund” to bolster existing heating assistance programs. Former Representative Joe Kennedy III has praised Healey’s administration for their proactive approach to addressing heating needs and called on the private sector to contribute to these efforts.
Overall, the focus is on comprehensive energy sourcing strategies that prioritize affordability while addressing increasing heating oil costs, which have risen by more than 70% compared to the previous year.
