Healey Pledges Thorough Utility Bill Review to Combat Rising Energy Costs

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has directed the state's Department of Public Utilities to review every line item on consumer utility bills to ensure charges are justified and to provide residents with relief from rising energy costs.

“I know our families and our businesses need relief, and that's what I am looking to provide,” Healey stated in a press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

In a statement shared with WBZ-TV CBS News Boston, an Eversource spokesperson said the utility provider controls only the infrastructure and maintenance fees on bills.

“We are laser-focused on affordability for our customers as we work every day to ensure we safely and reliably deliver the essential electric, heat, and energy services our customers need,” the company said in a statement.

National Grid also said it was committed to providing safe and affordable energy as well as infrastructure investment.

Healey has criticized federal policies under the Trump administration that have hindered renewable energy development, including blocking wind and solar projects and imposing tariffs that have affected energy supply chains.

She emphasized the importance of accelerating solar power infrastructure development to maximize benefits and reduce costs before federal tax credits are phased out.

According to a Boston.com report, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has partnered with the University of Massachusetts Lowell to develop advanced nuclear and fusion energy methods aimed at producing affordable energy and creating jobs.

Earlier this year, Healey launched an Energy Affordability Agenda. Current initiatives under this agenda aim to save residents and businesses over $13 billion by increasing the state's energy supply and making purchasing energy easier.

“Every single one of the actions that we're taking, and that I'm talking about today, is focused on one thing: saving you money. We're not going to stop until these costs come down,” Healey stated.