Massachusetts

Energy efficiency

Massachusetts embraces backyard homes as housing and climate solution

The state needs more housing, fast. ADUs offer a path forward — and their compact, sometimes all-electric designs offer lower energy bills and carbon emissions.

By Sarah Shemkus .

4 August 2026

Overhead shot of gray house with dark gray ADU in backyard surrounded by trees in fall color — Marsha Gleason built an 800-square-foot accessory dwelling unit in her backyard in Northborough, Massachusetts, when she decided it was time to downsize. (Backyard ADUs)

Nuclear

‘It’ll take more’: CFS nets another $1B to chase nuclear fusion dream

Commonwealth Fusion Systems has now raised a total of $4B to commercialize its nuclear fusion technology. It aims to bring its pilot reactor online next year.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 30 July 2026
Electric vehicles

Solar-powered EV carshare pilot launches in Massachusetts

The aim? To expand access to electric vehicles among lower-income residents of Massachusetts, which has big EV dreams as it tries to decarbonize.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 July 2026
Batteries

Startup offers low-cost home batteries to Massachusetts residents

The subscription-based approach aims to make it easier and more affordable to get a backup battery in your home. And it might be catching on.

By Sarah Shemkus . 21 July 2026
Utilities

Massachusetts bill would end a costly gas pipeline repair program

Utilities say the GSEP program is essential for safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but critics contend it costs too much and achieves too little.

By Sarah Shemkus . 20 July 2026
Energy equity

Massachusetts lawmakers try new way to kill ‘zombie’ wood power plant

Both chambers passed bills to stymie a key revenue source for the proposed polluting plant, but so far its developer hasn't flinched.

By Sarah Shemkus . 16 July 2026
Policy & regulation

Major energy-affordability bill passes Massachusetts Senate

Now the legislature must hammer out the differences between the Senate text and the House version, which includes major cuts to energy-efficiency funding.

By Sarah Shemkus . 2 July 2026
Solar

Martha’s Vineyard solar array will cut bills for low-income islanders

A new rooftop solar project offers the first test of a community-benefit model that nonprofit PowerOptions Connect hopes to roll out across the Northeast.

By Sarah Shemkus . 1 July 2026
Energy efficiency

Massachusetts Senate preserves energy-efficiency funding in new bill

Earlier this year, the House proposed $1B in cuts to the state’s nation-leading efficiency program. The Senate rejected that idea in a sweeping new energy bill.

By Sarah Shemkus . 25 June 2026
Batteries

Tesla offers discounted home batteries in New England VPP push

Households in Massachusetts and Connecticut can get cheap Powerwall leases — so long as they let Tesla monetize the batteries in virtual power plant programs.

By Jeff St. John . 18 June 2026
Transmission

Is New England’s new hydropower transmission line paying off?

The flow has been stop and go for the first few months, but the line shows plenty of potential to boost Massachusetts’ renewable energy supply.

By Sarah Shemkus . 16 June 2026