The Senate's bill is a far stronger approach on proposals than the bill advanced by the House earlier this year. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
June 24, 2026 (Boston, MA) – Lawmakers in the Massachusetts Senate have released their version of an energy affordability bill, offering a far stronger approach on proposals than the bill advanced by the House earlier this year. The Senate bill preserves Mass Save, the state’s critical, cost-saving energy efficiency program. It also moves to phase out the Gas System Enhancement Program, which gas utilities have used to charge families and businesses nearly $1 billion a year for pipeline replacements.
“Finally, we see our elected officials listening to what their constituents want: real solutions to cut high energy bills,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Conservation Law Foundation vice president for climate and energy. “It’s a relief to see senators break past the cacophony of for-profit, fossil fuel industry misinformation. Tools like Mass Save help every family and business cut energy costs. Not more pipelines, not more gas, not more ways for millionaire CEOs to pad their wallets – but real solutions that lower energy demand and bring cheaper sources of power online.”
For every one dollar spent on Mass Save, residents receive $2.69 back in benefits, according to the Acadia Center. The program improves energy efficiency and allows residents to save on appliances and insulate their homes, leading to lower overall energy costs.
A vote on the bill is expected in the Senate next week. If approved, the House and Senate must convene to reconcile both versions of their bills and create a final for the governor to sign. CLF will be watching to make sure the final version doesn’t back down from doing what’s right for Massachusetts’ residents.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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