Mass. Gov. Maura Healey has signed one of the country’s most aggressive state-level buildout mandates. (Utility Dive)
The breakdown: The executive order calls for 10 GW of new resources by 2035, including 4 GW of solar and 3.5 GW of demand reduction through efficiency, VPPs, and EV charging management. Healey also introduced a 5-GW energy storage target.
The order also directs state regulators to coordinate with gas utilities and neighboring states on regional fuel storage planning.
Healey’s admin argues that fixed-price clean energy contracts will stabilize bills—Massachusetts has some of the priciest electricity nationwide. But critics, including GOP gubernatorial candidates, blame the governor’s earlier opposition to new gas pipeline capacity for driving up costs in the first place.