Massachusetts

Utilities

First utility-owned geothermal network to double in size with DOE funds

The $8.6 million grant for Eversource’s pioneering project in Framingham, Massachusetts, is a rare win for renewable energy under the Trump administration.

By Phil McKenna . 5 December 2025
Policy & regulation

Massachusetts bill would undo climate goals and cut efficiency spending

The Democratic lawmaker behind the proposal says it will make energy more affordable, but opponents say it would harm the environment and consumers.

By Sarah Shemkus . 13 November 2025
Carbon-free buildings

Massachusetts considers expanding effort to ban gas in new buildings

Lawmakers are weighing a bill that would allow 10 more cities and towns to prohibit the use of fossil fuels in new construction through an existing pilot program.

By Sarah Shemkus . 11 November 2025
Clean industry

Boston’s century-old steam heat system is getting a low-carbon makeover

Boston and Cambridge’s decades-old district energy system is being retooled to shift away from gas and toward heat pumps and electric boilers.

By Jeff St. John . 5 November 2025
Heat pumps

Massachusetts heat-pump owners are about to get cheaper electricity

The state’s innovative winter heat-pump rates go into effect this weekend and should make the tech more accessible. Deeper discounts could come next year.

By Sarah Shemkus . 30 October 2025
Heat pumps

Boston is piloting window heat pumps in affordable housing

Housing authorities in Boston and two nearby cities are installing plug-in heat pumps from startup Gradient to try to swiftly and affordably cut emissions.

By Alison F. Takemura . 14 October 2025
Offshore wind

Massachusetts offshore wind port uncertain after federal funding cuts

Salem residents worked for years on plans for a port that offered economic development and other community benefits. Then the Trump administration canceled funding.

By Sarah Shemkus . 13 October 2025
Offshore wind

Trump admin halts construction of nearly finished offshore wind farm

Ørsted's Revolution Wind project off the coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island is hit with a stop-work order over vague "national security" concerns.

By Clare Fieseler . 24 August 2025
Fossil fuels

Massachusetts residents no longer have to subsidize new gas hookups

A new ruling says anyone who wants a new gas line will have to pay for it. Until now, utilities have spread out the costs of new hookups among all their customers.

By Sarah Shemkus . 14 August 2025
Electrification

This Massachusetts town banned gas — and housing boomed anyway

Critics say stringent, pro-electrification building codes and restrictions on natural gas will impede housing developers. A Boston suburb is proving them wrong.

By Sarah Shemkus . 6 August 2025