Massachusetts's electricity future

Massachusetts has become heavily reliant on natural gas for electricity, with it accounting for over 60 percent of in-state generation. This dependence exposes consumers to price volatility and hinders carbon reduction goals. The Union of Concerned Scientists proposes a diversified energy plan incorporating offshore and onshore wind, hydropower, and solar. This strategy could reduce natural gas use by 23 percent below business-as-usual by 2030, decrease carbon emissions by 6.6 million tons, and generate over $350 million in health and economic benefits in 2030, with a modest estimated increase in household electricity bills of approximately $3.00 per month.

• Massachusetts has seen a significant shift in its electricity generation mix over 15 years, with natural gas now providing more than 60 percent of in-state electricity, which is more than double the 2001 level.
• Over-reliance on natural gas creates financial risks for consumers due to historical price volatility linked to demand, weather, and supply uncertainties, as well as potential costs from stranded fossil fuel infrastructure.
• A diversified renewable energy policy suite could reduce regional natural gas use by 23 percent below business-as-usual by 2030 and lower carbon emissions by 6.6 million tons below business-as-usual.
• The proposed transition to renewables is estimated to provide regional and global health and economic benefits exceeding $350 million in 2030, while increasing average monthly household electricity bills by about $3.00 compared to business-as-usual.
• Strategic investment in offshore wind could allow Massachusetts to gain 'first-mover' economic advantages in manufacturing, operations, and project development.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2016). Massachusetts's electricity future. https://www.ucs.org/resources/massachusettss-electricity-future

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Massachusetts's electricity future. 2016. https://www.ucs.org/resources/massachusettss-electricity-future.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Massachusetts's electricity future |date=5 April 2016 |url=https://www.ucs.org/resources/massachusettss-electricity-future |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2016massachusettss, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Massachusetts's electricity future}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2016}, month = apr, url = {https://www.ucs.org/resources/massachusettss-electricity-future}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }