THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026 Page 5 MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE PASSES ENERGY AFFORDABILITY BILL Bill to save utility ratepayers $9 billion over the next 10 years B OSTON — The Massachusetts House of Representatives recently passed energy aff ordability legislation that would result in over $9 billion in savings for utility ratepayers over the next 10 years. The bill makes a one-time funding reduction to the Mass Save program, diverts environmental compliance payments from electricity suppliers back to residents, and positions Massachusetts to further diversify and modernize its energy grid. “As residents across Massachusetts face sky-high heating bills amid another brutal winter, this legislation is proof of the House’s commitment to bringing costs down by cutting unnecessary spending, by putting money back in residents’ pockets, and through energy diversifi cation. While the Trump Administration continues to attack clean energy projects on behalf of the fossil fuel industry, the House understands that energy diversifi cation is the best tool that the Commonwealth has to cut costs for ratepayers in the long term,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chair Michlewitz and Chair Cusack for their hard work on this legislation, as well as all my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of these reforms.” “This legislation is one that takes a long-term look at our energy needs and focuses the conversation squarely on affordability for ratepayers. While sustainability remains paramount, without a Federal partner in Washington, the Commonwealth fi nds itself in a diffi cult position. By making our energy infrastructure more transparent and more predictable, and by controlling costs, we can improve the lives of millions of our residents while at the same time bringing more energy onto the grid,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means. “I want to thank Speaker Mariano for his commitment to this legislation, as well as Chair Cusack and all my other House colleagues for their hard work and support on this critical legislation.” “For too many families, the monthly utility bill is a real source of stress. This legislation delivers immediate relief for ratepayers while strengthening and diversifying our energy grid for the long term. By cutting unnecessary costs, increasing transparency, and protecting consumers, we’re putting residents first and helping make energy more affordable in Revere and across the Commonwealth,” said Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere). “Affordability, affordability and aff ordability. The Commonwealth is becoming un-affordable for the working men and women and the families which have made Massachusetts a great place to live and raise a family. With this in mind, I was pleased to support the House passage of this important legislation. Once enacted into law, this bill will save the ratepayers of the Commonwealth nearly $1 billion dollars per year. Our rates are still too high, but this legislation is an important fi rst step to make clear the Commonwealth hears and feels the pain caused by unaff ordable utility rates,” said Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D. Winthrop). In an eff ort to lower energy prices in the near term, despite volatile gas and electricity prices, the House bill: • Reduces the Mass Save budget by $1 billion for immediate ratepayer savings, prioritizing cuts to the plan’s marketing, advertising and administrative budgets. Mass Save is primarily funded by utility ratepayers through a mandatory charge on their gas and electric bills. ◊ The bill also tasks the Offi ce of the Inspector General with a review of Mass Jessica Ann Giannino State Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco State Representative Save to ensure that the program and its administrators are effi ciently and eff ectively using ratepayer dollars. The report is due by July 1, 2027. Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 ALL DEPOSITS ARE INSURED IN FULL. LOCK IN THIS RATE BEFORE IT’S GONE: 4.00% APY* 6 or 24-Month CD You choose, you can’t lose! *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes the interest remains on deposit until maturity. A penalty 419 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 331 MONTVALE AVE. WOBURN, MA 01801 EVERETTBANK.COM 617-387-1110 781-776-4444 781-281-9092 MEMBER FDIC | MEMBER DIF • Returns 70 percent of Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP), which are fees paid by energy suppliers for MASS HOUSE | SEE Page 7
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