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Mass. House Votes to Cut $1 Billion From Mass Save, Advance Ratepayer Refunds

The Senate will take up the affordability bill next under pressure from environmental groups to restore efficiency funding.

Overview

  • The Democratic-led House approved the measure 128–27 and sent it to the Massachusetts Senate.
  • The bill would reduce Mass Save’s current three-year budget by $1 billion, leaving about $3.5 billion through 2027 for programs funded by charges on electricity and gas bills.
  • The legislation would return 70% of utilities’ alternative compliance payments to ratepayers.
  • Environmental groups persuaded House leaders to drop an earlier retreat from climate goals and now are urging senators to reverse or narrow the efficiency cuts.
  • Supporters say the plan delivers near-term bill relief, while critics warn it could curb long-term savings and slow the state’s clean-energy transition.