Massachusetts Governor Declares Energy Emergency

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey declared an energy emergency Oct. 5, blaming the war with Iran for rising heating costs and ordering heating assistance and temporary reductions in charges on electricity bills.

In the executive order, Healey said the war had disrupted global energy markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing heating oil prices in Massachusetts above $6 per gallon—nearly 75 percent higher than last year.

“The war with Iran has severely disrupted global energy markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil and petroleum, contributing to higher and more volatile crude oil and refined petroleum product prices, and creating an energy crisis in the United States,” the emergency order reads.

“While Donald Trump drives up energy costs, I’m doing everything I can to save you money,” Healey said in a post on X announcing the emergency order on Oct. 5. “Ahead of a cold winter, I’m declaring a State of Energy Emergency to boost heating assistance, help middle-class families pay for oil, and take charges directly off your bills.”

President Donald Trump said at an Oct. 6 press conference that the Strait of Hormuz was open and that oil flows exceeded prewar levels.

The White House didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.

Healey directed state officials to create a one-time benefit for households that rely on heating oil and earn between 60 percent and 100 percent of the state median income. Approximately one in five Massachusetts households relies on heating oil, according to the order.

She also ordered officials to increase funding for the existing Home Energy Assistance Program, which served approximately 150,000 households last year.

For electricity customers, Healey ordered the elimination of the distributed solar charge associated with the state’s SMART solar program for at least three winter months. She also directed officials to reduce costs charged to ratepayers under the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard by 50 percent this winter.

State agencies will review solar net-metering compensation and carbon requirements for in-state power generators to identify potential cost reductions. The order states that the state will continue to support solar deployment in Massachusetts.

The order also directs officials to monitor fuel supplies, publish heating oil and propane prices, and investigate potential price gouging.

The emergency order remains in effect through April 30, 2027, unless amended, replaced, or revoked.

On Oct. 1, Healey urged the Trump administration to expedite federal review of an Algonquin gas pipeline expansion projected to lower bills for 600,000 customers.

Her administration stated that the Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement Project would reduce reliance on imported liquefied natural gas and save customers $40 million per year.

In a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Healey requested clear permitting schedules and coordination among federal agencies.

She said faster review should not come at the expense of environmental scrutiny and community engagement. The project, largely involving upgrades to existing infrastructure, is undergoing federal environmental review.

Healey has been a frequent critic of Trump.

On Feb. 19, she said she would skip a White House governors’ meeting and dinner, accusing Trump of politicizing gatherings that she said were traditionally intended to encourage bipartisan cooperation.