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Massachusetts Residents Rank Energy Affordability as Top Household Concern, Above Healthcare, Groceries, and Housing
Massachusetts Chambers Policy Network Releases Statewide Energy Poll Results
The Massachusetts Chambers Policy Network commissioned a survey from Suffolk University to understand sentiments of the Commonwealth’s residents who are navigating some of the highest energy rates in the United States. 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. Conducted January 31 through February 5, 2026, the survey results consist of 500 respondents who are at least 18 years old and reside throughout the entire Commonwealth.
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. 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.
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.
Affordability Shapes Opinions about Energy & 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.
“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.”
“Last week’s [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. 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,” said Greg Reibman, President & CEO, Charles River Regional Chamber.
“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
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.
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