AARP Massachusetts Supports Governor Healey’s Call for Review of Utility Rates

AARP Massachusetts supports Governor Maura Healey’s call for a comprehensive review by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) into the rising utility rates impacting residents across the Commonwealth.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA), Massachusetts' electricity rates at 30.07 cents per kilowatt-hour are nearly double the national average of 17.47 cents (July 2025 data). Natural gas rates are also high and continue to climb, placing a growing financial burden on older residents and families.

“AARP Massachusetts fully supports Governor Healey’s initiative addressing this urgent issue,” said Jennifer Benson, State Director of AARP Massachusetts. “While there are no silver bullets, we believe a thorough and transparent review is essential to understanding and resolving the factors driving these high costs.”

AARP urges the DPU to consider the following in its review:

• Reducing or postponing non-essential distribution spending by utilities.
• Investigating the root causes of elevated rates, especially compared to neighboring states.
• Evaluating the cost of subsidies embedded in rates and whether certain programs should be taxpayer-funded rather than ratepayer-funded.
• Assessing infrastructure challenges and the impact of Massachusetts’s participation in ISO New England, which shares transmission costs across member states.
• Reviewing the frequency and timing of rate cases and the drivers behind rate increases.
• Requiring transparency in disclosing the retail rate impacts of all proposals—both short- and long-term.

Utility affordability is a growing concern not only in Massachusetts but across the country. AARP supports efforts that ensure fair, transparent, and affordable utility services for all residents, especially older adults living on fixed incomes.

“We encourage the Commonwealth to look at what other states like Oregon and Connecticut have done to reform the ratemaking process,” Benson added. “Massachusetts must explore all options, including a review of its restructuring model, to ensure residents are not unfairly burdened.”

AARP Massachusetts remains committed to advocating for policies that protect consumers and promote affordability, transparency, and accountability in utility services.