Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed a treaty this week executive order which directs her administration to secure 10 new GW of energy resources for Massachusetts by 2035, as well as 5 GW of new energy storage.
Governor Healey’s directive requires agencies to pursue a range of energy sources and ensure sufficient supply to meet growing demand and lower bills. The executive order outlines guidelines for state agencies regarding solar, storage, wind, load management, gas, nuclear, and geothermal, resulting in an estimated $10 billion in savings for Massachusetts residents and businesses.
“The American people are now paying the price as oil and gas bills skyrocket because of President Trump’s costly war,” said Governor Healey. “I believe in an all-of-the-above approach to energy – meaning solar, wind, gas, nuclear and hydropower. While the president is taking American-built energy sources off the table, in Massachusetts we are saying yes to more supply from more energy sources. We are saying yes to American jobs and American energy independence. And we are saying yes to lowering energy bills for everyone.”
The executive order sets a target of 10 GW of new energy sources on the supply and demand sides over the next ten years, as well as a separate target for 5 GW of energy storage. The 10 GW target includes 4 GW of new solar energy and 3.5 GW of new electricity demand, to be achieved through load management strategies such as energy efficiency, virtual power plants and electric vehicle charging management.
“As a company founded here in the Commonwealth, Nexamp applauds Governor Healey for taking decisive action to increase energy supply and make Massachusetts more affordable,” said Zaid Ashai, CEO of solar developer Nexamp. “Solar energy and battery storage are among the fastest and most cost-effective ways to bring new generations online, and we are ready to help deliver on that promise. With demand rising and costs a real concern for families, it has never been more important to expand supply, lower electricity bills, and strengthen the resiliency of the grid at the same time. Massachusetts is a clean energy pioneer and we are proud to work with this administration to keep it that way.”
“Amid another global conflict driving fossil fuel prices higher, Governor Healey’s announcement could not be more timely. Massachusetts needs local, reliable energy that will keep prices low and the lights on. Solar energy and energy storage are poised to deliver quickly, affordably and at scale – especially with efforts to streamline processes and reduce red tape. CCSA looks forward to working with the Administration to help achieve the Governor’s ambitious goals,” said Kate Daniel, Northeast Regional Director, Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA).
