Gov. Maura Healey declared a “state of energy emergency” to boost home heating assistance amid rising costs, prompting criticism from her rival, Republican Mike Minogue, who labeled her actions as “last-minute.” Healey’s executive order aims to ease financial burdens by suspending certain charges on electric bills and expanding heating assistance for families.
Healing stated that home heating oil prices have surged 73% compared to last year, significantly impacting many households. In response, she proposed measures to increase eligibility for heating support and urged Congress for additional funding for low-income energy assistance.
Minogue, seeking to solidify his position as a proactive alternative, criticized Healey’s plan as reactive and proposed deeper cuts to energy costs by eliminating unrelated climate taxes and abolishing the Net Zero mandate. He also called for a full gas tax elimination, pledging to recover costs through a budget audit.
As negotiations continue on broader energy legislation, Healey emphasized the urgency of finding relief for residents and advocated for energy reforms to promote affordability and reliability.
