Points to State Audit Showing Working Families Pay More and Get Less
BOSTON, MA – Marine, businessman, and Republican candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve today said Beacon Hill Democrats’ proposal to cut Mass Save spending is a “good first step,” but warned it does not go far enough to address the policies driving Massachusetts’ nation-leading energy costs.
“This is proof positive that the big driving force behind your skyrocketing utility bills are these Mass Save state-mandated fees funding Maura Healey’s climate agenda,” said Shortsleeve. “I’ve been calling for eliminating these fees since the first day of my campaign. Healey has been resisting it, but when Democrats in the legislature finally concede it is telling. The silence from the governor is deafening. Will she finally admit her failure?”
Shortsleeve pointed to a recent state audit showing the program’s inequities as further evidence reform is needed. A report from the Massachusetts State Auditor found that many working-class and renter-heavy communities contribute more into Mass Save through utility surcharges while receiving significantly fewer benefits in return.
The audit also concluded that denser municipalities with more renters often “contribute more to the program even when they ultimately do not get much back,” highlighting structural fairness concerns.
Shortsleeve said meaningful relief requires broader action beyond Mass Save changes alone. His Day One energy affordability agenda includes:
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Fast-track permitting for reliable energy infrastructure like nuclear and natural gas to increase supply and stabilize prices.
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Suspend costly state mandates that add charges to utility bills until affordability improves.
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Launch a top-to-bottom regulatory review of energy policies to eliminate rules driving up costs.
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Audit state energy programs and spending to identify waste and return savings to ratepayers.
“Families are choosing between heating their homes and paying for groceries,” said Shortsleeve. “As governor, I’ll cut red tape, increase supply, and lower costs so Massachusetts is affordable again.”