On Monday, October 5, Governor Maura Healey held a press conference at the Connolly Center to announce new actions to help Massachusetts families lower their utility bills this winter. She was joined by former Congressman Joe Kennedy III, Mayor Robert J. Van Campen and representatives of Citizens Energy and Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD).
Governor Healey declared a State of Energy Emergency, unveiling an energy affordability plan that will expand eligibility for heating assistance, provide temporary relief on electric bills and protect against petroleum product price gouging. This plan includes creating a new home heating assistance benefit for approximately 50,000 middle-class households who did not qualify for existing programs, as well as increasing heating assistance for approximately 156,000 low-income households as part of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). In addition, the governor will eliminate the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program charge on residential electric bills for three months and cut the Alternative Portfolio Standard by 50 percent this winter. Overall, this plan will lower energy bills for approximately 85 percent of ratepayers.
She also sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to provide an additional $3 billion in emergency funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), bringing the program to $7 billion.
“I’m declaring a State of Energy Emergency because in Massachusetts, we are going to use every tool we have to get people relief,” said Governor Healey. “We’re delivering nearly $150 million in savings, including helping middle-class families who didn’t previously qualify for assistance and taking charges off of electric bills for households and businesses across Massachusetts. I’m also grateful for the strong partnership of Congressman Joe Kennedy and Citizens Energy to create the Winter Warmth Fund to deliver additional relief to families…”
“For too many of our neighbors, an unexpected heating emergency can quickly become a crisis — forcing families to make impossible choices between keeping the heat on and putting food on the table or paying other essential bills,” said Citizens Energy President Joe Kennedy. “Every family deserves a warm and safe home, especially when winter arrives in Massachusetts. The Emergency Winter Warmth Fund is about making sure no one has to face that choice alone. By bringing together Citizens Energy, the Commonwealth, and partners across Massachusetts, we can help families through the moments when they need a helping hand most and make sure no one is left out in the cold.”
The cost of heating oil is currently 70 percent higher this winter compared to this week last year, and prices are likely to remain volatile. In Massachusetts the average price of home heating oil reached $6.08 per gallon as of September 28, 2026, up 73 percent from $3.52 last year. Approximately one in five Massachusetts households relies on heating oil, particularly in older homes and rural communities.
“Keeping Everett affordable and making sure our residents can get help when they need it is a priority for my administration,” said Mayor Van Campen. “No senior should have to choose between heating their home, putting food on the table, or filling an essential prescription. Strong relationships with our partners at the state level are critical to addressing challenges like rising energy costs, and I’m grateful to Governor Healey and her administration for recognizing the pressure families are facing and taking action to provide real relief. When the City and the Commonwealth work together, we can make sure these resources reach the residents who need them most.”
The City of Everett is committed to helping residents get assistance when they need it. Residents can visit the Housing and Utility Assistance Office Hours at City Hall every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Small business owners and residents can also connect with Electrify Everett, an organization that works to make energy efficiency programs more accessible to everyone in Everett, at cityofeverett.com/electrify.