麻州今夏週五搭地鐵全線免費 Healey州長宣佈4項MBTA優惠

 (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今(30)日在北車站宣佈，為因應FIFA足球世界盃（FIFA World Cup）及多項大型活動帶來的交通壓力，麻州地鐵（MBTA ）將於 2026 年 6 月至 8 月推出週五全線免費搭乘等4項夏季票價優惠。

週五全線免費搭乘，包含六月節及 7 月 3 日。其他優惠還有6、7、8 月份的通勤鐵路月票全面 5 折，適用範圍為 第1區（Zone） 至第 10區、Interzone （跨區）及通勤渡輪月票（不含 Zone 1A）。根據估算，月票持有者整個夏季可節省 $321 至 $639。

針對週末行程，月票持有者可跨越原卡片區域限制，通行至全線任一車站。此外，月票持有者於週末搭車時，可帶一名同伴隨行，同伴單日票價僅需 $1。

麻州地鐵（MBTA ）總經伍偉華（Phil Eng）表示，波士頓今年將有足球世界盃、慶祝美國建國250週年的MA250，以及高桅帆船節（Tall Ships）等大型活動，預計將有數百萬名遊客在夏季前後湧入。MBTA為因應人潮， 將於 6 月及 7 月調整行車時間表，增加往返波士頓體育館的班次。這次的大幅度降價，除了鼓勵民眾使用大眾運輸交通工具、緩解塞車外，也是為了補償賽事期間行車時間表變動對日常通勤族造成的影響。

麻州居民須注意，前述優惠不適用於單程票、5 日彈性票、1A 區月票，以及往返 福斯堡（Foxboro ）的體育館專車與 CapeFLYER。詳細資訊可至 MBTA.com 查詢。

Governor Healey Announces Summer Savings for Commuter Rail Riders 

 

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey today announced a series of summer fare promotions and discounts on the MBTA Commuter Rail to lower costs for riders, support regular commuters and encourage more people to choose public transportation as Massachusetts prepares for a busy season of major events across the state.  

 

Governor Healey made the announcement at North Station alongside Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng this morning, where they outlined four promotions that will run on the Commuter Rail through June, July and August, including Free Fridays, a 50 percent discount on monthly passes, and more. Monthly passholders will save between $321 and $639 over the summer, depending on their route.  

 

With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving. These steps will help residents and visitors get around during a busy summer while making public transportation a more convenient choice for everyday travel. 

 

“We want to make using public transportation easier and more affordable for people – for our regular commuters, for residents going out to local businesses and restaurants, and for everyone who will be enjoying the exciting special events we have going on this summer,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That is why we are discounting commuter rail fares and offering free service on Fridays all summer long, saving people hundreds of dollars. The MBTA has made incredible strides to improve service, particularly on the commuter rail, and we want as many people as possible to choose public transportation for special events and as part of their daily routine.”  

“These fare promotions will help make it easier for people to get around Massachusetts this summer,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We want residents and visitors to be able to travel affordably and take advantage of everything our communities have to offer.”   

 

“As we prepare for events like the World Cup, MA250, Tall Ships, and for millions of visitors to experience all that Massachusetts has to offer, we want to thank our regular riders that rely on us 365 days a year for your patience and continuing to choose transit during this unprecedented summer. These free and discounted summer Commuter Rail services are a Thank You to our regular passengers and to encourage more people to experience the convenience of leaving their cars at home and choosing transit,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We are committed to furthering MassDOT’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and resilient transportation in every corner of the state, and we hope passengers across the region take advantage of our Free Summer Fridays, summer discounts, and bringing a friend on the Commuter Rail on weekends for just $1 each way to explore the many wonderful recreational opportunities Massachusetts has to offer just a train trip away.” 

 

The following fare promotions will be available through June, July and August 2026:  

• Free Summer Fridays: All Commuter Rail service will be free on Fridays in June, July, and August 2026, including Juneteenth and July 3. Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxboro. 
• 50 Percent Discount on Monthly Commuter Rail Passes: Calendar month Commuter Rail passes for June, July, and August 2026 will be discounted by 50 percent. This discount applies to full fare and reduced fare monthly passes for Zones 1 through 10, Interzone 1 through 10, and Commuter Ferry passes. This discount will not apply to Zone 1A passes. All non-calendar month Commuter Rail products (for example, single-ride tickets, 5-Day Flex Passes, and Weekend Passes) will remain at their standard prices. 
• Expanded Weekend Travel for Monthly Pass Holders: Monthly Commuter Rail passes will be valid for travel to any zone on weekends. Zone 1 through 10 pass holders may travel through Zone 10, and Interzone pass holders may travel through Interzone 10. This does not apply to Zone 1A passes or ferry service. Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxboro. 
• $1 Weekend “Summer Companion” Fare for Commuter Rail Monthly Pass Holders: Monthly pass holders may bring one companion on any weekend Commuter Rail trip covered by their pass for $1 each day. This offer is limited to one companion per pass holder. Regular fares will remain in place for Boston Stadium trains, the CapeFLYER, and other special event trains to Foxboro.  

To support increased ridership during the FIFA World Cup, the MBTA will temporarily adjust Commuter Rail schedules in June and July, including expanded service to accommodate up to 20,000 passengers on 14 trains per match day to Boston Stadium. 

 

The MBTA recognizes these temporary schedule changes may affect regular riders. These fare discounts are intended to offset those impacts, support regular riders, and encourage more people to choose transit during a busy summer season and beyond. 

 

For more information, visit MBTA.com 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates $30 Million Awards for Energy & Scientific Research

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates $30 Million Awards for Energy & Scientific Research 

 Awards include investments to Commonwealth Fusion Systems and MIT 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today is celebrating $30 million from the U.S. Department of Energy awarded to Massachusetts-based companies and universities for cutting-edge research in fusion energy, quantum physics, PFAS remediation, and other scientific disciplines. The investments include investments in Commonwealth Fusion Systems and MIT to advance the commercialization of fusion energy. 

 

“Massachusetts is the global leader in innovative research,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The technologies of the future – from fusion energy to quantum information science – are born in Massachusetts. We know how to grow an idea into a business that changes lives. Congratulations to the companies and universities, including so many of our state schools, on this achievement.” 

 

“Companies that change the world are started in Massachusetts universities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This cross-disciplinary investment in Massachusetts researchers will keep their projects moving forward as they explore the farthest horizons of scientific exploration and, ultimately, practical applications.” 

 

“Massachusetts is pioneering the first commercial-scale fusion technology thanks to the innovative work of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, which was born out of the brilliant minds at MIT,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We are glad to see continued federal investment in this promising clean energy resource, especially as we work to design a fusion roadmap to grow the industry in Massachusetts.” 

 

“Massachusetts continues to set the pace for innovation because we invest in the full pipeline, from research to commercialization,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “These awards are a powerful vote of confidence in our universities, companies, and talent. They help ensure that breakthroughs happening in our state strengthen our global competitiveness.” 

 

The awarded companies include:  

Institution	Project Title	City
Commonwealth Fusion Systems	Commercial fusion power on a decadal timescale with the compact, high-field ARC power plant	Cambridge
President and Fellows of Harvard College	Emergent Phenomena in Quantum Dynamics: From Chaos to Spacetime	Cambridge
President and Fellows of Harvard College	Heterogeneity of Electrocatalysts in Working Environments	Cambridge
President and Fellows of Harvard College	High-pressure imaging of unconventional superconductivity and topological magnetism using Nitrogen-Vacancy centers	Cambridge
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Hybrid interfaces between silicon and excitonic materials	Cambridge
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	Interpretable Deep Learning for Advancing Field-Enhanced Catalysis	Worcester
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Joint Research on SPARC	Cambridge
President and Fellows of Harvard College	Quantum Field Theory and Theoretical Particle Physics	Cambridge
University of Massachusetts Boston	Quantum-classical hybrid simulations for nuclear physics	Boston
President and Fellows of Harvard College	Quantum-Enhanced Data Analysis for High-Energy Physics: Leveraging NISQ Algorithms for Efficient Data Compression and Machine Learning Applications	Cambridge
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Task R - Theoretical Nuclear Physics	Cambridge
Giner, Inc.	Complete Mineralization of PFAS in Groundwater via Advanced Electrolytic Oxidation	Newton
CapeSym, Inc.	Growth of CZT Crystals with Electro-Magnetically Stirred Solution Zone	Natick
CF Technologies, Inc.	High-Purity Separations of Rare Earth Elements from Phosphogypsum	Hyde Park
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.	Novel High Efficiency Digital Panel for Field Radiography	Watertown
MagiQ Technologies, Inc.	Quantum Enhanced Seismic and Acoustic Sensors	Somerville

慶祝美國250週年 麻州號最新潛艦3/28加入海軍服役

           

圖片來自推特。

 (Boston Orange編譯) 美國海軍最新的核動力潛艦「麻州號（USS Massachusetts）」，3月28日由美國最古老的海軍船艦憲法號陪伴在側，在南波士頓康利碼頭（Conley Terminal）以麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey），聯邦眾議員Seth Moulton聯袂出席的盛大典禮，正式加入服役行列

麻州長Maura Healey在推特上貼文。

  美國第5艘以州命名，在維琴尼亞州建造的這艘軍艦，造價28億美元，將展開為期30年的保家衛國任務。

麻州州長奚莉說，“我們從來沒有比現在更驕傲過，1812年美國海軍的第一艘軍艦，從麻州這兒出發，250年後，最新的「麻州號」也在這兒，加入美國海軍行列。

 

本身為海軍退伍軍人的聯邦眾議員Seth Moulton説，250年前，麻州在美國革命上佔有舉足輕重的地位，

 

「麻州號」是一艘「維吉尼亞」級快速攻擊核潛艇，於2023年在維吉尼亞州紐波特紐斯（Newport News）舉行了命名儀式，2024年2月下水，並在參加週六的服役典禮之前，接受了一系列嚴格的海上試驗。 這艘全長377英尺的潛艇可搭載152名軍官和水兵，其動力源自一座核反應堆，該反應堆佔據了艇身長度的一半以上。 「麻號」配備魚雷和「戰斧」巡航飛彈，航速可超過25節，下潛深度可達800英尺以上。

 

自從那艘在昆西市福爾河（Fore）造船廠建造，曾在第二次世界大戰中戰功彪炳的戰艦於1947年退役以來，這還是第一艘名叫“麻州號（USS Massachusetts）“的軍艦。

 

第一艘「麻州號（USS Massachusetts）」是一艘木製蒸汽船，1845年在東波士頓建造，曾在美墨戰爭中服役。

 

儀式結束之際，全體船員依序登上了「麻州號」戰艦。首班值更人員就位，艦首旗徐徐升起，海軍學院畢業生，該艦首任艦長Michael Siedsma宣佈正式接管指揮權。

寶島水煎包店在牛頓市開張啦！ 台灣地道小吃在這兒

寶島水煎包店剪綵。（周菊子攝）

潘譓如（左）感謝牛頓市長Marc Laredo（右）支持。（周菊子攝）

            (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 在Line上已有500名粉絲，實體店在麻州牛頓市的寶島水煎包店（Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory），今（3月28）日正式剪綵開業了。麻州眾議員，牛頓市長，波士頓經文處處長等，許多嘉賓到賀，現場十分熱鬧。

寶島水煎包店開張，牛頓市長Marc Laredo（右一），波士頓經文處長廖朝宏（左一）
等嘉賓雲集。（周菊子攝）

            從紐約遷來波士頓的潘譓如，在餐飲業有豐富經驗，1999年到2012年間，曾在Benihana 上市連鎻餐飲集團 擔任美東分部Haru sushi曼哈頓時代廣場總經理，並在2005到2012年間連續獲整個集團的年度總經理獎，2013到2023年在紐約自創品牌的經營NorikoH 等餐廳，去年才在波士頓僑務委員郭競儒，波克萊台灣商會理事陳玉瑛等人支持中，來麻州牛頓市開水煎包，煎餃，蔥油蛋餅，飯糰外賣店，把台灣小吃味道帶進麻州。

            潘譓如這家位於牛頓市中心，740 Beacon Street的水煎包店，其實早從去年下半年就開始籌備了，只是礙於裝修，申請證照費時，在這天的正式開業之前，一直以訂購方式，滿足台灣鄉親們的要求。店裡推出的每樣試菜，包括牛肉麵，梅菜扣肉，羅漢齋，韭菜盒子，全都讓嚐到的人讚不絕口，口碑也傳了出去。

波克萊台灣商會會長陳冠中（左）和曾任該會會長的波士頓僑務委員郭競儒（右）
在現場幫忙遞送水煎包。（周菊子攝）

            今日一早，氣溫雖然甚至只有華氏28度，蒞臨剪綵的嘉賓人數，出人意料之外的多，包括牛頓市市長Marc Laredo，麻州眾議員馬惠美（Amy Mah Sangiolo）、Greg Schwartz，駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏、僑教中心主任高家富、紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝、中華總會會長余麗媖、僑務委員郭競儒、波克萊台商會會長陳冠中等，至少9人。已退休的哈佛教授李敦厚，也特地前往道賀。

麻州眾議員，Greg Schwartz（右起），馬惠美和牛頓市長Marc Laredo都來祝賀
潘譓如和郭競儒的寶島水煎包店開張。(周菊子攝）

            今年1月才上任的牛頓市市長Marc Laredo在致詞時說，我太激動了。他為水煎包店等了那麼久才拿到所有證件，感到抱歉，直說牛頓市的經濟發展主任等人在過去這3個月來，在推動牛頓市經濟發展的方法上，做了徹底改變。市政府就是要打破障礙，支持企業，防止人們在開張企業上遭遇拖延狀況。他將繼續努力。

            廖朝宏處長代表台灣政府恭喜寶島水煎包店開張。他說，人們想到台灣時，常常是先想到半導體，或著台灣的韌性與高科技創新，但是更簡單，更有力量的是台灣的美食。他敢保證寶島水煎包店做的水煎包是全新英格蘭做得最好的一家。他謝謝所有到場者對台灣美食，地方企業的支持。

潘譓如（左起）送別2名麻州眾議員，馬惠美和Greg Schwartz。（周菊子攝）

            店東潘譓如感謝諸位嘉賓出席之際，特地鼓勵牛頓市長訪問台灣，說台灣有更多美味小吃，在這兒可嚐不到。惹得牛頓市長大笑的說，嗯，這想法他喜歡。

潘譓如笑說牛頓市長一定得去台灣嚐嚐地道台灣小吃。（周菊子攝）

潘譓如親自製作水煎包。（周菊子攝）

SpeakEasy 劇團訂4/24-5/23公演「遠走高飛」

SpeakEasy 劇團提供。

       （Boston Orange編譯）在波士頓頗負盛名的SpeakEasy 劇團，將於4 月 24 日至 5 月 23 日的5週期間，在波士頓藝術中心Stanford Calderwood 展覽館內的 Virginia Wimberly 劇院，演出共31場「遠走高飛（SWEPT AWAY ）」，為該團35週年慶畫下句點。

            SpeakEasy Stage Company是一個名稱取自禁酒時期祕密酒吧之意的劇團，在1992年成立，以「打破沉默、自在發聲」為使命，為探討社會議題提供藝術平台，核心任務是把最優秀的當代百老匯、外百老匯及倫敦西區作品引進波士頓做「新英格蘭首演」的劇團。

            為慶祝成立35週年，SpeakEasy劇團把備受讚譽，由東尼獎得主 John Logan編劇，人氣民謠搖滾樂團「艾維特兄弟（The Avett Brothers）」創作詞曲，2024年在紐約演出時，被娛樂周刊（Entertainment Weekly）譽為“百老匯最迷人節目”的音樂劇「遠走高飛（Swept Awary）」，帶到波士頓做新英格蘭首演。

            「遠走高飛」這齣劇，講述的是1888年，發生在麻州新貝德福德市（New Bedford），四名捕鯨者遭遇船難，受困在沒有物資的救生艇上為生存奮鬥，各自被迫面對過去，探討道德抉擇以及人類耐力極限，觸及犧牲、寬恕、兄弟情誼與救贖等主題的扣人心弦，令人心碎故事。

            這將是Jeremy Johnson為SpeakEasy 劇團做導演的處女秀，有音樂總監 Paul S. Katz、編舞家 Ilyse Robbins 以及武打指導 Matt Dray 共同協助製作。

演員陣容包括Wyatt Anton、Christopher Chew、Max Connor、Peter DiMaggio、Carson Hollingsworth、Elliot Lazar、Bishop Levesque、Kevin Patrick Martin、Nicholas Papayoanou、Anthony Pires Jr. 以及 Ezra Quinlan。

設計團隊成員有Janie E. Howland（舞台設計）、Seth Bodie（服裝設計）、Karen Perlow（燈光設計）、James Cannon（音效設計）及 Andrew Reynolds（道具設計）。

「遠走高飛」將於 2026 年 4 月 24 日至 5 月 23 日 ，在波士頓藝術中心（Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont Street）的Stanford Calderwood 展覽館內 Virginia Wimberly 劇院，公演5週。

門票 15 美元起，學生、長者、退伍軍人及 35 歲（含）以下人士有折扣優惠。購票或查詳情，可洽BostonTheatreScene 票務服務專線 617.933.8600，或前往官網 SpeakEasyStage.com。預計演出全長 90 分鐘，不設中場休息。

麻州大學醫學生鼓吹衛生與司法改革

 PURCH Day on the Hill 2026: UMass Medical Students Advocate for Health and Justice Reform

Courtesy photos attached to this email.

BOSTON / SPRINGFIELD, MA - Thirteen medical students from the Population-based Urban & Rural Health (PURCH) program at UMass Chan Medical School - Baystate gathered at the Massachusetts State House yesterday for “PURCH on the Hill 2026.” This initiative equips future healthcare professionals with the skills and confidence to advocate for policies that address non-medical factors that greatly impact health.

During their visit, students met with legislators and aides to champion two critical public health measures: Clean Slate legislation and increased funding for the Healthy Incentive Program (HIP). They urged lawmakers to: a) help advance the Clean Slate bills sponsored by Sen. Cindy Friedman and Sen. Adam Gomez which are currently in the Senate Ways & Means Committee; and b) increase HIP funding for FY27. While these initiatives extend beyond traditional healthcare, they play a crucial role in preventing health problems by promoting economic stability, food security, stable housing, and overall community well-being.

The group included PURCH students and faculty from UMass Chan Medical School - Baystate, Senator Adam Gomez and Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, as well as staff from Baystate Health, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, Clean Slate MA, and Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA). These leaders and organizations helped the future physicians understand Massachusetts’ policy-making process and how they-as medical professionals–can be strategic advocates for systemic changes.

“The PURCH students bring an incredible level of knowledge, compassion and commitment to their work - they’re focused on more than the care of individual patients; they are also passionate about  strengthening the health and wellbeing of entire communities. It’s truly inspiring to collaborate with them and see the future of health care and public health,” said Andrea Freeman, Policy Director with the Public Health Institute of Western MA.

波士頓公園天鵝船4/18重新啟航

 Swan Boats Opening Day on April 18, 2026

BOSTON – Friday, March 27, 2026 –Mayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and the Paget family will host the first ride of the season on the iconic Boston Swan Boats as they open at the Boston Public Garden Lagoon on Saturday, April 18, at 10:00 a.m.

2026 marks the 149th season for the Swan Boats, a beloved tourist attraction and iconic symbol of Boston and the Public Garden. The oldest and smallest boat in the fleet just celebrated its 116th season, while the newest was launched in 1993. The swan on the boats is made from either copper or fiberglass, depending on the age of the boat, and encloses a paddle mechanism that is used to propel the boat through the water. 

Launched in 1877 by Irish immigrant and shipbuilder Robert Paget, the Swan Boats continue to be owned and operated by the Paget family. Mr. Paget designed the Swan Boats after attending the opera Lohengrin in New York City. At the end of the opera, the hero crosses a river in a boat drawn by a swan. In 2025, the Swan Boats were added as a site on the Boston Irish Heritage Trail. 

Fully loaded, each Swan Boat weighs three tons and is powered by the driver using a foot-propelled paddle wheel. The Swan Boats are built on oak-framed pontoons sheathed in copper, just as they were initially constructed in 1877. After being stored in a safe place for the winter, the boats will return to the Public Garden Lagoon in the spring, with Mayor Wu celebrating the first ride of the season.

For more information, please visit boston.gov/swan-boats.

新英格蘭電力用戶可獲近10億元能源退款 未來可節省100億元

New England Ratepayers to Receive Nearly $1 Billion Energy Refund, Future Savings of $100 Million Annually 

FERC order comes after years of advocacy by AG Campbell and then-AG Healey to lower utility profits built into rate cases 

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell applaud the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) order to cut New England transmission owners’ allowed return on equity (ROE), the profits earned on transmission investments in the region. The order comes after more than a decade of advocacy by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). If upheld, this order will result in a refund of an estimated $900 million to New England ratepayers and more than $100 million in savings per year going forward. 

 

“People’s energy costs are far too high, and we fought for a long time in this case to lower people’s bills,” said Governor Healey. “This decision makes clear that utilities should not be allowed to make exorbitant profits on the backs of ratepayers, and that those profits should go back in people’s pockets where it belongs. I am going to continue to oppose big rate increases to lower people’s bills.” 

 

“As Massachusetts’ ratepayer advocate, my role is to ensure that utility rates are just and reasonable and that consumers are not paying more than they should,” said AG Campbell. “This decision reflects years of work to challenge excessive transmission profits and deliver meaningful relief. My office will continue to hold utility companies accountable and push for greater oversight to protect residents from unjustified and unreasonable costs.” 

 

“Transmission costs are one of the fastest growing components of our electricity bills,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We have been pushing for FERC to cut transmission profits and institute greater oversight for several years. This is a landmark decision by FERC that will result in real savings for families and businesses now and in the future. We’re going to keep fighting to lower people’s energy bills.” 

 

FERC’s order, issued on March 19th, cut the ROE that transmission owners can earn on their transmission investments in New England, cutting down on costs for ratepayers going forward while also reducing the incentive to overbuild the transmission system. Due to the length of the proceeding, FERC also required transmission owners to issue refunds reflective of the lower ROE, estimated to be about $900 million in total to New England ratepayers. The cut to transmission owners' ROE will result in more than $100 million in estimated savings per year going forward. Massachusetts customers represent roughly half of all New England ratepayers. FERC will need to determine the timeline and mechanics for the refund, and the AGO stands ready to work with federal regulators, utility companies, and other stakeholders to advocate that refunds are delivered as quickly as possible. 

 

The decision follows more than a decade long proceeding before FERC led by the AGO, along with a coalition of New England state attorneys general, utility commissions and consumer advocates. The case began in 2011 when the AGO-led coalition filed a complaint challenging New England transmission owners’ ROE. The case argued that owners’ costs, which are passed onto ratepayers, were excessive. 

 

As the ratepayer advocate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and her office will continue to monitor economic and market conditions and fight to ensure utility companies charge rates that are just and reasonable, so that Massachusetts residents are protected from excessive utility profits. As a result of her office’s participation in more than 175 energy proceedings before regulatory agencies and courts, AG Campbell saved Massachusetts consumers approximately $2.11 billion in utility costs during the 2025 fiscal year. 

 

Transmission service, which is overseen by FERC, includes the poles and wires that deliver large volumes of electricity from generating resources to substations that serve local distribution systems to which homes and business are connected. Building transmission can be an important affordable strategy to deliver power from one region to another, but strong oversight is needed to control costs, particularly the utility profit portion of those costs.  

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the AGO have advocated for greater scrutiny of transmission costs. Transmission costs are rising, driven in part by incumbent transmission owners increased spending on so-called asset condition projects that replace or refurbish aging or damaged transmission infrastructure. In 2023 and 2024, Massachusetts and the other New England states secured agreements from the region’s transmission owners to bring greater visibility and transparency to the planning process for asset condition projects. In 2025, in response to calls from the New England states, consumer advocates, and other stakeholders in the region, ISO New England agreed to provide an independent review of asset condition projects to foster greater oversight and scrutiny of asset condition project spending. Work is underway now to develop a robust asset condition reviewer function at ISO New England. In addition, Governor Healey’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act gives the state’s Energy Facilities Siting Board the authority to review large-scale asset condition projects to ensure developers have justified the need and explored all alternatives before proceeding with a project.