A Massachusetts Chambers Policy Network survey commissioned from Suffolk University

reveals that energy affordability has emerged as the leading household concern for

Massachusetts residents.

Notably, utility costs outrank healthcare, groceries, housing, and transportation for survey

respondents. Additionally, 77% of residents acknowledge their electric and/or gas bills are

increasing a little or a lot, while only 3% of respondents indicated their bills are decreasing.

The study commissioned a survey from Suffolk University to understand the sentiments of the

Commonwealth’s residents who are navigating some of the highest energy rates in the United

States. Conducted Jan. 31 through Feb. 5, 2026, the survey results consist of 500 respondents

who are at least 18 years old and reside throughout the entire Commonwealth.

As energy bills have increased dramatically in recent years, it is important to address

affordability and cost of living concerns for our residents to ensure the attraction and retention

of our residents as well as economic growth throughout the state.

“The Feb. 23 nor’easter reminded us that there are things we take for granted that we

shouldn’t, including flipping a switch and expecting the lights to come on,” said Greg Reibman,

President and CEO of the Charles River Regional Chamber, which is a member of the ten-chamber policy

network.

“A dependable energy system is foundational to our economy and our quality of life. That’s why

Massachusetts needs a multipronged energy policy focused on safety, reliability, and

affordability — not just one of the three, but all of them,” Reibman added.

One of the survey findings reveals that energy affordability has emerged as the leading

household concern for Massachusetts residents. Notably, utility costs outrank healthcare,

groceries, housing, and transportation for survey respondents. In addition to underscoring the

growing concerns that residents have about rising utility bills, the survey results demonstrate

that public support for the Commonwealth’s clean energy and climate goals is closely tied to

cost.

Most residents express support for climate goals and clean energy initiatives, but only if they

result in minimal increases in their utility bills. Addressing climate change and energy goals also

ranks lower than other priorities, such as providing energy cheaply and financial assistance

programs.

“This energy poll further demonstrates that the cost of energy remains a top concern for

residents across the entire Commonwealth,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater

Boston Chamber of Commerce.

“With some of the highest energy rates in the nation, our policymakers must continue to

prioritize reforms that stabilize prices, balance affordability with reliability and climate goals,

and urgently embrace an “all of the above” energy strategy. Our region’s competitiveness and

ability to attract and retain people and businesses depends on our willingness to grapple with

policy issues, like energy costs, that push talent and jobs to other states.”

Affordability shapes opinions about energy and climate

The poll shows that most Massachusetts residents support clean energy and climate goals only

if the resulting increases in energy bills are minimal. Nearly three in ten respondents do not

support climate goals if they lead to an increase in household energy costs, highlighting the

priority of energy costs for some respondents.

Notably, concern about utility costs is not limited to high usage households: For customers

actively managing their energy use, including trying to reduce consumption, there is still

concern about energy costs. The financial pressure is widespread and felt even among energy

conscious residents.

Support for an “All of the Above” energy strategy

When asked how Massachusetts should meet future energy needs, a majority of residents

favored an “all of the above” approach. More than half support pursuing new energy resources

across multiple fuel types, while fewer favor either clean energy only strategies or no new

energy development.

Even among climate focused groups, opinions are divided. Democrats, liberals, and respondents

who believe climate change is primarily human caused are nearly evenly split between

supporting an “all of the above” approach and a clean only strategy, signaling more nuanced

viewpoints within traditionally pro-climate constituencies.

Drivers of rising energy costs

Residents most often point to energy suppliers and public policy decisions as drivers of higher

energy costs. Far fewer respondents cite infrastructure investments or weather-related factors

as the primary causes of higher utility bills.

These views align with broader findings on utility priorities. Affordability and customer

assistance clearly outrank climate goals in the public’s view. Providing energy at the lowest

possible cost and supporting financial assistance programs are most frequently cited as top

priorities for utilities, while addressing climate goals ranks last.

Reliability seen as essential and expected

While safety and reliability remain critically important to residents, they are largely viewed as

baseline expectations rather than competing priorities.

More than eight in ten respondents (84%) say maintaining a safe and reliable energy system is

very important, yet it does not rise to the top of priority rankings, suggesting residents assume

reliability should be guaranteed as part of any energy strategy.

“The rising cost of energy in households across the Commonwealth continues to be a challenge

as our residents struggle with affordability. The results of this energy poll reinforce what we

hear every day here on the South Coast and in neighborhoods everywhere – residents are more

concerned about energy costs more than their other expenses. We need to urgently address

the rising costs of energy with an “all of the above” approach so that we don’t see families

move away to other cities and states that are more affordable,” said Mike O’Sullivan, CEO, One

SouthCoast Chamber.

“Suffolk University is proud to partner with Chambers across the state on this energy

affordability poll, which gives an important overview of the perspectives of our residents. The

results of this poll will help stakeholders better understand the concerns of residents, which are

often nuanced and complex, as they navigate the challenges presented by rising energy costs,”

said David Paleologos, Director, Political Research Center, Suffolk University.

Download the polling data here.

Massachusetts Chambers Policy Network members: 

James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce 

Tim Murray, President &; CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce 

Diana Szynal, President, Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce 

Aaron Vega, President &; CEO, Western MA Economic Development Council 

Karen Andreas, President &; CEO, North Shore Chamber of Commerce 

Tim Cahill, President &; CEO, South Shore Chamber of Commerce 

Paul Niedzwiecki, CEO, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce 

Greg Reibman, President &; CEO, Charles River Regional Chamber 

Michael O’Sullivan, CEO, One SouthCoast Chamber 

Jonathan Butler, President &; CEO, 1Berkshire 

About the Massachusetts Chambers Policy Network: The Massachusetts Chambers of

Commerce Policy Network (the “Chambers Policy Network”) is a group of ten large regional

chambers of commerce representing over ten-thousand-member employers and millions of

workers and customers across the entire state Massachusetts.  Using its united and collective

voice on behalf of the business community, the Chamber Policy Network advocates for public

policy solutions that will strengthen the quality of life and economy in all regions of the

Commonwealth.