DPU to Launch First-Ever Comprehensive Review to Lower Gas and Electric Costs
As Massachusetts residents and businesses face high energy bills that could rise even higher this winter, Governor Maura Healey called on the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to launch a first of its kind, comprehensive review of gas and electric rates and charges to identify ways to lower customer costs. Specifically, she asked that the DPU review which charges on bills can be removed, reduced or modified.
“Energy bills are already way too high for Massachusetts residents and businesses. So, I’m calling on the DPU to launch a first-of-its-kind review to identify ways to get charges off bills and lower costs,” said Governor Healey. “Combined with my energy affordability agenda and legislation, we can save people billions of dollars for years to come.”
In her letter, Governor Healey also requested the DPU scrutinize proposed utility rate increases on behalf of ratepayers, including utility infrastructure to avoid unnecessary spending and reduce costs. She also called on the DPU to take action to expedite new solar construction before President Trump ends federal tax credits.
Governor Healey’s letter is the latest in a series of actions she has taken to lower energy bills. Earlier this year, she filed her Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act, which would deliver more than $13 billion in savings for residents and businesses. The proposed legislation, which is currently under consideration with the Legislature, would save customers money by getting charges off of bills, bring more energy into Massachusetts, and increase utility accountability. This legislation comes on top of the Governor’s Energy Affordability Agenda which she implemented earlier this year, immediately saving people $220 million and providing for more than $5.8 billion in savings over the next five years.
Re-Establishes Governor’s Special Advisory Commission on Disability Policy
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Governor Healey signed an Executive Order re-establishing the Governor’s Special Advisory Commission on Disability Policy to improve opportunities for people with disabilities, their families and advocates to provide input on policy and program development that will reduce barriers to state services.
“It is very important to me that people with disabilities and their families have a direct line to me and my office,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By establishing this Commission, we are getting the input and perspective to make sure that our policies and programs are working for everyone.”
The Commission will be Chaired by the Massachusetts Office on Disability’s Executive Director Allan Motenko and will consist of at least 24 people appointed by Governor Healey based on recommendations from organizations that support people with disabilities. Membership will include a diverse group of people who have lived experience, family members of people with disabilities, advocates, a representative from the Statewide Independent Living Council, and executive branch staff who have oversight of state programs supporting these populations.
“One of the most valuable parts of my job is being able to receive feedback on how people are able to access our services,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are re-establishing an avenue for people to talk about their experiences interacting with state agencies and accessing state services.”
“Every day our teams offer supports to people across the state to help everyone live full lives in our communities, whether it’s job supports, assistive technology, day programs, or mobility training,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “We want to make sure our own process makes our services truly accessible, and that individuals and families are able to easily find the office and specific programs or supports they need. This commission will allow us to hear first-hand from people with disabilities and their loved ones and advocates.”
The first priority of the Commission will be to assess where the concerns are for people with disabilities and their families when interacting with state government, as well as ways that the state can promote inclusion in the programs and services the state offers.
Announces Intention to Join the International Union for Conservation of Nature
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced Massachusetts’ intention to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world’s largest and most diverse environmental membership network comprised of 1,400 governments and non-governmental organizations committed to global action on biodiversity conservation. The announcement was made in tandem with the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, taking place from October 9—15 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
“Massachusetts is leading the way to a future where people and nature thrive. As the first states to announce our intention to join the IUCN, Massachusetts and California are standing firm by our commitments to lead the nation on biodiversity conservation,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “The value of this work is undeniable—this will help us protect wildlife, strengthen our local economies, and really preserve what makes Massachusetts so special.”
Massachusetts and California would be the first U.S. states to join and become official members in 2026. Membership in the IUCN will deepen Massachusetts’ commitment to global action on biodiversity and climate. This follows the state’s recent announcement of nation-leading Biodiversity Conservation Goals for Massachusetts. As called for by Governor Maura Healey’s Executive Order No. 618, this ambitious, 25-year plan defines a whole-of-government approach to rebuild biodiversity and invest in nature to sustain our health and well-being, food security, and economy.
“Biodiversity is a key climate solution. By joining this network of global leaders at the forefront of tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis, we can collaborate, learn, innovate, and drive progress, both globally and right here in the Bay State,” said Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer.
“Massachusetts is proudly leading in harnessing the full potential of our natural world to improve the quality of life for all of our residents. Protecting our mountains, coastlines, and marshes is core to our tourism economy and the health of our communities. Being part of IUCN will help our state accelerate our work to make our communities safer, healthier, and better prepared for extreme weather,” said Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper.
“Massachusetts is proud to be recognized by the IUCN for our commitment to protect and restore nature for wildlife and people,” said Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Joining the IUCN will be a huge opportunity to elevate our work on the global stage. We look forward to building partnerships across boundaries, tapping into the knowledge and expertise of the IUCN network, and pursuing innovative approaches and cutting-edge solutions here at home.”
At the heart of New England, Massachusetts is known for its coastline, fishing ports, historic cities and towns, farms, and green rolling hills. The region faces mounting challenges from climate change, including coastal and inland flooding as well as increasing drought, which threaten both its ecosystems and the livelihoods of its communities.
By joining IUCN, Massachusetts will strengthen its capacity to address these challenges through access to a global network of conservation expertise and resources. Massachusetts’ collaboration through IUCN is expected to enhance ongoing initiatives in biodiversity conservation, restoration, and climate resilience. The partnership will also open avenues for Massachusetts to engage in international programs and strengthen its participation in international efforts to foster integrated approaches to environmental protection and community well-being.