Gas Heat Is Costing Massachusetts – A Better Way Is Possible

“Natural” gas is only getting more and more expensive to deliver to our homes and businesses.

The Problem

Over the last five years, Massachusetts gas bills have increased on average by 10% each year.

Why is This Happening?

Recently, gas utilities in Massachusetts have proposed major bill increases. This is because gas pipelines in the state are aging and leaky, and increasingly costly to maintain and replace. The cost-per-mile of replacement has spiked in recent years (meaning customers pay more for less). In fact, repaying gas utilities for pipeline projects now makes up two-thirds of every customers’ monthly bill, regardless of how much gas they actually use. Unfortunately, this type of utility spending on pipelines is only accelerating.
At the same time, gas supply is prone to extreme price spikes. This winter, the cost of gas in New England is 133% higher than in 2024, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts the cost to be even higher in 2027. This means the “supply” portion of a gas bill (today, about 1/3 of the total), is spiking.
The only way out of paying forever increasing bills is to get off of gas.

What's the Solution?

1. Savings At Home

Reducing your energy consumption will help lower your energy bills. The MassSave energy efficiency and electrification programs offer a range of options, such as incentives for insulation, heat pumps and new windows, to help customers manage their energy use, which increases cost savings and increases comfort.

2. Investigation of Bill Charges

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has launched an investigation to review all charges on utilities bills to address energy price spikes and improve transparency for the public.

3. Take Action

Make your voice heard, contact your legislator here to make it clear that more “natural” gas is not the path to energy affordability.

Solution Spotlight: High-Efficiency Heat Pumps + Discounted Rates

Do you have a heat pump in your home? High-efficiency heat pumps can be used for both heating in winter and cooling in summer while potentially saving energy and money all year long.

Heat pumps come in a range of shapes and sizes to fit single family houses, condos, and apartments. Rebates are available to lower the upfront cost of heat pumps for Massachusetts residents and business via Masssave.com – and there are no-cost options for income-qualifying households. Customers of Massachusetts electric utilities can also participate in seasonal heat pump rates designed to decrease winter energy charges for homes that use their electric heat pump for heating.

Learn more:
• Air-Source Heat Pumps
• Ground-Source Heat Pumps
• Residential Seasonal Heat Pump Rates