WESTBOROUGH, MA — August 31, 2026— As Massachusetts lawmakers work to reconcile competing energy affordability proposals, the natural gas industry is urging residents to make their voices heard and ask state policymakers to preserve critical investments that support safe, reliable, and affordable energy for families and businesses across the Commonwealth.

In a letter sent to Massachusetts Senate leadership on August 25, 2026, the Northeast Gas Association outlined its concerns with the Senate's energy legislation and emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to affordability and infrastructure modernization. The letter is available here: NGA Letter.

The Massachusetts Senate recently advanced S.3143, an energy bill that seeks to generate long-term ratepayer savings by winding down spending on the natural gas infrastructure modernization investment program called Gas System Enhancement Program or GSEP. The need to replace aging infrastructure does not disappear over time, and delaying that work may postpone costs but does not eliminate them.

The House previously passed H.5175, its own energy affordability package, which offers a more balanced approach. Rather than dismantling a program critical to maintaining the safety, integrity, and reliability of our natural gas system, the House bill finds savings by trimming administrative costs associated with the Mass Save program and expanding energy procurement. Two chambers must now reconcile their approaches before sending final legislation to Governor Maura Healey.

“Massachusetts families and businesses need energy policy that lowers bills without compromising safety or reliability,” said José Costa, President and CEO of the Northeast Gas Association. “Natural gas infrastructure investments are not optional extras. They are essential to maintaining a safe system, supporting energy reliability, and keeping energy affordable. These investments also help replace aging infrastructure and reduce leaks, strengthening the energy system that Massachusetts families and businesses depend on every day.”

Natural gas remains a foundation of New England’s energy system, powering as much as 60% of the regional electricity generation, and serving as the primary heating fuel for half of Massachusetts homes. During periods of peak demand, especially cold winter days, natural gas is the essential dispatchable energy that underpins electric grid reliability when other generation resources may be limited.

As the Commonwealth works to build tomorrow’s energy system, it is imperative that all stakeholders understand the vital role natural gas plays and will continue to play for the foreseeable future.

Massachusetts continues to face some of the highest energy costs in the country. In April of 2026 the Massachusetts residential electric rate was 29.45 ¢/kWh while the national average was 18.83 ¢/kWh. According to EIA data, residents of the Commonwealth consistently pay among the highest electric rates in the country. While natural gas remains the most affordable way to heat a home in Massachusetts, Bay Staters also pay among the highest natural gas rates in the country, nearly double the national average.

High energy costs and energy reliability don't just impact household budgets —they also affect Massachusetts' economic competitiveness. Businesses factor electricity and natural gas prices into decisions about where to invest, expand, and create jobs. Affordable and reliable energy also supports housing growth, economic development, and long-term competitiveness across the Commonwealth. At a time when Massachusetts has some of the weakest job growth in the country, policymakers should avoid policies that further increase the cost of doing business. Affordable, reliable energy is an essential ingredient for economic competitiveness and private investment.

“The Commonwealth must adopt an energy strategy that leads to a durable, cleaner energy future,” said Costa. “This strategy must be built on affordability, reliability, and practical infrastructure planning, not on policies that restrict access to the most affordable and reliable energy option available.”

The Northeast Gas Association supports an all-of-the-above approach that advances clean energy deployment while maintaining dependable fuel diversity. That approach includes reasonable permitting for essential natural gas infrastructure, continued safety-focused pipeline modernization, expanded energy procurement where it improves affordability, maximizing energy efficiency programs that include natural gas technologies, and pragmatic integration of emerging fuels and technologies such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen where viable.

“We share the goal of a cleaner energy future,” said Costa. “But achieving it requires policies grounded in practical planning, system reliability, and household affordability. Natural gas can support that evolution by helping balance renewable resources and keeping energy affordable and available around the clock.”

As the House and Senate consider a final energy bill, the association is calling on lawmakers to avoid measures that would prematurely phase out essential gas infrastructure investments and instead focus on reforms that deliver measurable affordability while preserving safety and reliability.

“Bay Staters deserve energy policy that works in practice, not just on paper,” said Costa. “We encourage customers to join in this advocacy effort and urge policymakers to choose a balanced path that protects consumers, strengthens reliability, and preserves affordable energy choices for Massachusetts families and businesses.”

About Northeast Gas Association

The Northeast Gas Association (NGA) is a regional trade association focused on education and training, technology research and development, pipeline safety, energy reliability and affordability, and environmental initiatives in the Northeast U.S.

NGA represents natural gas distribution companies, transmission companies, liquefied natural gas importers, storage companies, and associate member companies. These companies provide natural gas to over 13 million customers in 11 states (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont).

Media Contact:

Alana Daly

Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Policy

Northeast Gas Association

adaly@northeastgas.org

781-455-6800 x1060