Massachusetts Senate Passes Energy Affordability Bill 32-8, Advances to Engrossment

BOSTON — July 1, 2026 — Massachusetts Senate passes sweeping energy bill 32-8, narrowly sparing gas line extension subsidies. The Senate advanced House bill 5175, "An Act Relative to Energy Affordability, Clean Power, and Economic Competitiveness," to engrossment Tuesday, with supporters projecting more than $14 billion in ratepayer savings through direct state contracting for offshore wind and solar — targeting 10 gigawatts of each — rather than routing deals through utilities. The most contested moment came on Amendment No. 77, offered by Senator James B. Eldridge, which would have ended the "line extension allowance" subsidy that cost ratepayers $160 million in 2023 alone and, according to Eldridge, burdens them with an estimated $1.6 billion in costs over the next decade; the amendment failed 19 to 20 after a Republican caucus recess. Senator Michael J. Barrett cited a 2022 DOER study showing heat pumps are cheaper for new construction in Worcester, while Senators John J. Cronin and Barry R. Finegold warned the change would make housing construction in gateway cities harder and more expensive. Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr's two consolidated oversight amendments each failed 5 to 34.