WORCESTER—Massachusetts residents could see a major shift in energy savings efforts after the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) ordered a $500 million cut to the state’s Mass Save program as part of its revised 2025-2027 Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Plan.
The Feb. 28 decision scales back the proposed plan, which aimed to lower residential gas and electric bills over the next three years. The approved plan forces a substantial reduction in the budget, implementing a 25% cut to residential gas and a 15% drop in residential electric budgets.
Major utility providers, including National Grid and Eversource, will reduce their average gas bills by 10% in March and April, with natural gas bills expected to decrease between 7.4% and 16% during these months, depending on the provider.
Utility companies weigh in
Penni Conner, executive vice president of customer experience and energy strategy at Eversource, supported the DPU’s decision, stating, “This is the most immediate step the state can take to provide long-term rate relief to customers and ensure that the pace of the energy transition in Massachusetts is affordable and attainable.”
Conner also addressed concerns about balancing affordability with environmental goals. “To be clear, we are steadfastly committed to the Mass Save programs,” she stressed, “which are essential to meeting the commonwealth’s decarbonization goals and provide significant benefits to customers and the state as a whole, but this winter’s higher-than-normal natural gas bills make a revision to this plan imperative at this time.”
The DPU’s order also extends relief to households by prolonging the moratorium on gas and electric shutoffs from March 15 to April 1.
Residents Feeling the Impact
It’s no surprise that rising energy costs are adding to the financial strain on residents. “My bill was close to $500 to heat my apartment with natural gas,” said Worcester resident Maureen Schwab. “I prioritize this utility even over food. I am fortunate in that I can afford to pay this amount. I hate being cold. The bill is about $100 higher than this time last year.”
Worcester officials push for answers
Worcester City Councilor George Russell said there are plans to bring utility companies to the council table for discussion.
“Last Tuesday, one of my colleagues asked the Public Works Committee to invite the utility companies in to have a conversation, ask questions, and air our disappointment in the rate increases,” Russell said. “I am in the process of working with the city clerk staff to schedule such a meeting in the next few weeks, and I will invite the governor’s team as well as National Grid and Eversource. Let’s see if they will answer my invite.”
City Councilor Ethel Haxhiaj called the Mass Save cuts a significant loss, noting that municipalities rely on the program to help residents with energy efficiency upgrades and lower utility bills. In District 5, she said, many families struggle to afford heat, electricity, or oil, and local budgets can’t fill the gap—especially with ARPA funds no longer available.
Haxhiaj has taken action by petitioning the city council to ask City Manager Eric Batista and Mayor Joe Petty to send a letter urging Eversource and National Grid to reduce the delivery fee for electricity and gas. She has also requested a public forum where representatives from the utility companies can address recent rate hikes.
“We don’t even know if the representatives will show up, so it’s hard to know how the committee can address that issue,” Haxhiaj said. “I am guessing DPU representatives aren’t going to come to a municipal body to talk about the impact this decision will have on our residents.”
Seeking alternative solutions
Eversource plans to work with stakeholders on revising the plan.
“This is how the collaborative process is intended to work,” Conner continued. “A wide variety of diverse stakeholders come together to develop a plan aimed at achieving Massachusetts’ ambitious clean energy targets, and that plan then receives a thorough regulatory review to ensure all aspects of the program respond to customer needs and strike a balance between meeting statewide climate goals, establishing program affordability, providing robust access for customers, and enhancing reliability.”
Chief Sustainability Officer John Odell acknowledged that Mass Save is the primary funding source for energy efficiency improvements but said the city is always looking for additional resources to help homeowners and businesses—especially low-income households—save energy at a low cost.
“Our goal is to advance decarbonization equitably in alignment with the Green Worcester Plan,” he said, noting that Worcester has previously secured funding through programs like the Green Communities Grant to provide rebates. “We continue to prioritize pursuing new funding sources and doing everything we can to support energy efficiency in Worcester.”
Expanding local support
Odell noted that the city is expanding its Smart Energy Advice program to help residents navigate their energy options. The initiative will provide one-on-one meetings with the city’s Energy Advocate, offering personalized, unbiased guidance on lowering energy bills, reducing emissions, and improving home comfort and safety.
“The city remains dedicated to supporting residents and small businesses in finding ways to lower energy costs and enhance efficiency,” he said.
Matt Olszewski is a freelance content and news writer based in Boston, MA. In his free time, Matt enjoys running, hiking or skiing. Matt just graduated with his MPH from Tufts University. He can be reached at mattoskier@gmail.com
