Massachusetts Electricity Rates Are Skyrocketing — Could Project Beacon Be the Fix?

A new study by the Fiscal Alliance Foundation (FAF) finds that Massachusetts ratepayers could save $367 million on electricity and heating bills each winter if the Commonwealth opts into the Project Beacon pipeline project.

How Project Beacon Could Save Massachusetts $367 Million

RealClearEnergy says, "Enbridge, a Canadian-owned gas pipeline company, announced its intention to launch Project Beacon back in May. If approved, the project would upgrade the existing Algonquin pipeline system, which carries natural gas from New Jersey into Massachusetts."

Governor Healey’s Shift on Natural Gas Infrastructure

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who as Attorney General said during the 2022 gubernatorial campaign: "Remember, I stopped two natural gas pipelines from coming into this state," is now asking the Trump Administration to speed up the review process for Project Beacon.

Commonwealth Beacon says, "Project Beacon would add about 300 million cubic feet of natural gas capacity per day – roughly enough to meet the winter needs of 840,000 homes, or more than half of Massachusetts residential gas accounts."

Massachusetts Ratepayers Would See Big Savings With Project Beacon Pipeline

Understanding Massachusetts High Energy Rates and Dependence on Natural Gas

The Fiscal Alliance Foundation report says Massachusetts' electricity rates are among the highest in the nation, in part because of "the state's limited access to affordable and reliable natural gas."

"In any given year, over 65 percent of the state's electricity comes from natural gas," according to FAF, which says, "Expanding access to natural gas from the nearby Appalachian producing region could help reduce natural gas prices in Massachusetts and, in turn, power prices."

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Monthly utility bills are expected to increase substantially again this winter for the average Massachusetts homeowner, depending on the service.

Should Project Beacon receive federal approval, it would be several years before Massachusetts ratepayers would begin to enjoy its benefits.