Governor Maura Healey has issued a new Executive Order aimed at expanding Massachusetts’ energy supply, improving grid reliability, and lowering energy costs for residents and businesses. The order directs state agencies to secure 10 gigawatts (GW) of new energy resources and 5 GW of energy storage by 2035, advancing what the administration describes as an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy.

 

State officials estimate the initiative could save Massachusetts ratepayers up to $10 billion over the next decade while strengthening energy independence and preparing the electric grid for significant demand growth.

 

According to ISO New England projections cited by the administration, electricity consumption in the region could increase nearly 15 percent by 2035 and up to 50 percent by 2045, with winter peak demand rising even faster. The Executive Order seeks to address this growth by accelerating the development of both new generation resources and demand management strategies.

 

The 10 GW target includes a combination of supply-side and demand-side resources, including:

--4 GW of new in-state solar generation

--3.5 GW of demand reduction through energy efficiency, virtual power plants, and managed electric vehicle charging

--Expanded development of wind, nuclear, natural gas, geothermal, and other energy resources

--5 GW of energy storage to support grid reliability and balance supply and demand

 

Ten gigawatts of new capacity is roughly equivalent to the electricity needed to power two million households.

 

The Executive Order directs state agencies to pursue several near-term actions to expand energy supply and reduce costs. These include ramping up solar development while federal incentives remain available, expanding opportunities for offshore wind and emerging technologies such as nuclear and fusion energy, and exploring improved natural gas storage and delivery strategies to strengthen reliability.

 

Additional efforts will focus on lowering the cost of geothermal systems and implementing more flexible grid interconnection policies to connect new projects faster and make better use of existing infrastructure.

 

The administration is also advancing the Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, legislation designed to give the state greater flexibility to procure energy resources when market conditions are most favorable.

 

Workforce and Infrastructure

 

The initiative underscores the critical role of Massachusetts’ skilled energy workforce in building and maintaining the infrastructure required to support expanded energy supply.

 

Kristen Gowin, Executive Manager of the Boston Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), expressed strong support for the plan:

 

“The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) of Greater Boston strongly supports Governor Healey's commitment to expanding energy supply, improving reliability, and helping make Massachusetts more affordable for residents and businesses. Achieving these goals will require an all-of-the-above energy strategy and sustained investment in modern, resilient energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth.”

 

Gowin also emphasized the importance of the electrical construction industry in delivering these investments.

 

“Responsible electrical contractors and a highly skilled union workforce will play a critical role in building and maintaining the systems needed to deliver reliable, affordable power while advancing Massachusetts’ energy and climate goals.”

 

As Massachusetts moves to expand generation, storage, and grid capacity, NECA Greater Boston contractors and the IBEW Local 103 workforce will play a central role in building the energy infrastructure needed to power the Commonwealth’s future.

 

Click Here for EO Press Release: https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-takes-action-to-bring-in-10-gw-of-new-energy-save-10-billion-and-promote-energy-independence