Climate Advocacy Secures Major Wins in House Energy Affordability Bill, with Continued Work Necessary

February 27, 2026 – Yesterday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed H.5151, An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power and economic competitiveness, a sweeping bill aiming to reduce energy burdens on Massachusetts ratepayers.  

The bill improved significantly during the legislative process thanks to sustained advocacy from the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) and its partners. An earlier draft from the House Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee threatened state climate goals, which would further increase energy costs. The version the House adopted yesterday includes several key provisions that will drive down costs, accelerate clean energy deployment, and support a modern, more affordable energy system for Massachusetts residents.  

The legislation now moves to the Massachusetts Senate, where there remains important work to do. While the House included meaningful progress, their proposal to reduce funding to Mass Save raises major concerns. 

“This bill is stronger because of sustained climate advocacy from ELM, our partners, and our supporters,” said Amy Boyd Rabin, Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at the Environmental League of Massachusetts. “We thank the many Representatives who fought for smart, win-win solutions on climate and affordability and we appreciate how responsive our elected officials have been to their communities throughout this process. Now we turn our attention to the Senate, where we look forward to building support for proven programs like Mass Save, which save residents billions of dollars.” 

The House bill removed threats to our Commonwealth’s net-zero climate goals, does not require an affordability test for climate programs, and no longer puts the burden of paying for gas pipelines on electric customers. Our successful advocacy led to a redrafted bill that: 

• Drives strategic deployment of clean energy, creating new procurement authority for the Department of Energy Resources with goals for procuring wind and solar energy, doubling municipal capacity for net-metered solar, creating new energy storage incentives, and automating solar permitting for small residential projects. 

• Implements smart grid solutions, like taking advantage of existing rights-of-way for transmission lines and interconnecting new energy at existing sites. 

• Protect ratepayers by allowing municipalities to ban and protect its residents from predatory residential competitive suppliers. 

• Support the growth of offshore wind in the face of federal delays by creating new plans and pathways for supply chain growth, workforce development, and long-term success. 

While this bill makes meaningful progress, it also proposes cutting $1 billion in funding for Mass Save, which would effectively decimate one of the Commonwealth’s most effective tools for lowering energy bills. This program has saved Massachusetts residents and businesses over $40 billion over 15 years by increasing building efficiency and reducing energy demand statewide. If this provision moves forward, it would jeopardize thousands of clean energy jobs and undermine efforts to make energy more affordable. ELM is focused on restoring investment to Mass Save in future versions of this bill. 

ELM was pleased to see so many House members demonstrate true leadership on climate during the debate, particularly Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Chair Mark Cusack, Rep. Marjorie Decker, Rep. Dave Rogers, and Rep. John Moran. ELM looks forward to working with the Massachusetts Senate to advance effective policies, include additional climate and affordability solutions, and defend the Mass Save program. 

For years, Massachusetts residents have faced persistently rising utility bills. Our communities deserve solutions that will prioritize affordability and climate progress. ELM will continue to advocate for a bill that keeps Massachusetts on the path to a cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable future for all. 

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