10/08/2026
MASSACHUSETTS DECLARES STATE OF ENERGY EMERGENCY — NEARLY $150 MILLION IN WINTER RELIEF ANNOUNCED
With winter approaching and heating costs continuing to put pressure on Massachusetts families, Governor Maura Healey has declared a State of Energy Emergency and announced a package of measures expected to provide nearly $150 million in energy relief.
Here’s what Massachusetts residents should know:
HELP FOR MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILIES
For the first time, Massachusetts is creating a new heating-oil assistance benefit for approximately 50,000 middle-income households that previously earned too much to qualify for traditional heating assistance.
Eligible households could receive up to $680 in one-time assistance.
For a family of four, households earning more than $103,049 and up to $171,749 may qualify. Applications for this new benefit are expected to open in December 2026.
MORE HELP FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
The state is adding $15 million to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), increasing heating assistance for approximately 156,000 low-income Massachusetts households.
Current HEAP assistance ranges from approximately $525 to $1,200 per household, with benefits increasing by:
20% for households heating with oil 15% for households using utility-based heating
Renters and homeowners may qualify, and households do not have to be receiving public assistance or have unpaid heating bills to apply. The assistance period runs from November 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027.
ELECTRIC BILL CHARGES WILL ALSO BE REDUCED
The administration says the plan will lower energy bills for approximately 85% of Massachusetts ratepayers.
The state will temporarily remove the SMART solar program charge from residential and commercial electric bills for January through March 2027, using $80 million in state funding to cover the costs.
The state is also reducing the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard by 50% this winter, providing an estimated $20 million in additional ratepayer relief.
PROTECTION AGAINST PRICE GOUGING
Declaring a State of Energy Emergency also activates legal protections against price gouging on petroleum products. State agencies will monitor, investigate and enforce rules regarding excessive or misleading fuel prices.
NEW EMERGENCY WINTER WARMTH FUND
Massachusetts is also partnering with Citizens Energy Corporation to create an Emergency Winter Warmth Fund for families struggling with heating costs. Citizens Energy is providing an initial $100,000 contribution to help expand heating assistance.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
Residents can find information about HEAP, heating assistance, weatherization and other energy programs through the Massachusetts government’s official heating assistance resources.
Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance & Heating Help
How to Apply: Online applications open October 1 each year at MassHEAP Portal (link below) or you can apply in-person or by mail through your local Community Action Agency. You can also call the Massachusetts Heat Line toll-free at 1-800-632-8175.
https://www.toapply.org/MassHEAP...
Boston & Massachusetts residents: With winter bills expected to be a major concern for many families, make sure you check your eligibility rather than assuming you won’t qualify. Share this information with a neighbor, family member or friend who may need help staying warm this winter.
