Massachusetts Legislature Honors International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Massachusetts Legislature Honors International Holocaust Remembrance Day 

Resolution Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Antisemitism and Preserving the Memory of Holocaust Survivors 

 

(BOSTON—1/27/2026) Today the Massachusetts Legislature honored International Holocaust Remembrance Day, formally recognizing the lives of the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust. 

 

Each branch passed a resolution recognizing the eighty-first anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp and reaffirming their unequivocal condemnation of antisemitism in all its forms.  

 

In adopting the resolutions, the Senate and House recognized Holocaust survivors and honored their courage in bearing witness to one of the darkest moments of history. The Legislature affirmed that preserving survivors’ memories and testimonies is essential to combating Holocaust denial, distortion, and antisemitism. 

 

“International Holocaust Remembrance Day calls on us not only to mourn the millions of lives stolen by unimaginable cruelty, but to confront the truth of history with clarity and resolve,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “For survivors and their families, remembrance is deeply personal—and for our Commonwealth, it is a solemn responsibility. By preserving stories, rejecting Holocaust denial, and educating future generations, we reaffirm an unyielding commitment to say ‘never again’ and to stand firmly against antisemitism, hatred, and genocide in all its forms.” 

 

“On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the millions of innocent lives lost, including the six million Jewish people who were senselessly murdered by the Nazis,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Today isn’t only about the past though, it’s also about the lessons that we can learn from that horrific tragedy, and about the actions that we can take to beat back antisemitism and all forms of hate. I’m proud of the work that we have done in the Legislature to ensure that students in Massachusetts learn about the cruelty and inhumanity of genocide, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Legislature, as well as the Jewish community, to address the alarming rise in antisemitism over the past few years.” 

 

“I was proud to file this Senate resolution to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day and to honor the millions of lives lost in one of history’s darkest chapters,” said Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton), primary sponsor of the Senate’s Resolution. “At a time when antisemitism continues to be on the rise, preserving the memories and testimonies of Holocaust survivors is essential to confronting denial, prejudice, and hate. Our responsibility is not only to remember, but to educate and to stand firmly against antisemitism in all its forms.” 

 

“Today is a solemn day as we remember the horrific genocide committed during the Holocaust. We honor the millions of people who senselessly lost their lives, and we vow never to forget their sacrifice. We as a Legislature have taken numerous steps over the years to ensure that the Commonwealth never forgets either,” said House Committee on Ways and Means Chair Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston). “I want to thank the Speaker and the Senate President, and all my other fellow legislators, for their tireless commitment to Holocaust Remembrance. I also want to thank the Consulate General of Israel to New England and the New England Holocaust Memorial Committee for being a part of the ceremony today in the State House.” 

 

Copies of the resolutions were transmitted to the Consulate General of Israel to New England and the Holocaust Legacy Foundation, which is supporting construction of Holocaust Museum Boston. 

 

In recent years the Legislature has acted to protect the memory of those murdered in the Holocaust, allocating $10 million in funds to support construction of Holocaust Museum Boston.  

 

In late 2025, Senate President Spilka and Speaker Mariano applauded the final outcomes of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, which created a framework for combatting antisemitism in Massachusetts through education, responses to antisemitic incidents, and allyship.  

 

The Legislature created the commission in 2024 after a state report showed a 70 percent increase in incidents of anti-Jewish crime statewide. 

 

In 2021, the Legislature acted jointly to create the Genocide Education Trust Fund to educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide and promote the teaching of human rights issues with a particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide. 

 

 

Statements of support 

 

Governor Maura Healey 

“Today, as a state, we join with others around the world to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust, and the millions of others whose lives were destroyed by a regime built on hatred and dehumanization. We honor the victims by telling the truth, preserving memory, and rejecting the dangerous lie that cruelty can ever be justified. This day, and this work, have never been more important — and I'm grateful to Senate President Spilka for bringing us together today.” 

  

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll 

“International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a time to mourn the lives lost during the Holocaust and recommit ourselves to rejecting antisemitism wherever we see it. Massachusetts will always stand with our Jewish neighbors and stand strong against hate and violence.” 

 

Robert Kraft, Founder of the Blue Square Alliance and Chairman of the Kraft Group 

“On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the memory of the six million Jews who were murdered by dedicating ourselves to the mission of combating antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. I am grateful to the Massachusetts State Legislature for advancing this joint resolution and for highlighting remembrance and the shared responsibility we all have to stand up against hate wherever it appears.” 

  

Jonathan Kraft, President of the Kraft Group 

“To truly fight antisemitism and hate, we must never forget the atrocities the Jewish community has endured. This resolution is a meaningful step toward honoring the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and all victims of the Nazis, and it sends a powerful message of solidarity with Jewish communities in Massachusetts and around the world. I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Senate President Spilka, and Chairman Michlewitz." 

 

Office of Senator John Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism 

“Today, as we remember and mourn the more than six million Jewish lives senselessly taken during the Holocaust, we must also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to confront and eradicate antisemitism in all its forms. As co-chair of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, Senator Velis is proud to serve in a Legislature that remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the promise of ‘Never Again.’” 

 

Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord), House Chair of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism 

“The historical facts of the Holocaust are essential learning not just for Jewish history or world history, but American history. Our state government has an obligation to ensure that the Holocaust is learned and remembered by its residents through a lens of historical accuracy and moral clarity. I’m proud that Massachusetts is taking affirmative steps to reverse the alarming levels of Holocaust denial and Holocaust inversion, both through our recent budget investments and the work of our Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism. “ 

 

Senator Rebecca Rausch (D-Needham), Senate Resolution Cosponsor 

“The liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, which occurred 81 years ago today, finally brought an end to the government-sponsored mass extermination and torture of Jews and others in Nazi Germany. Today, we remember the six million Jewish people and millions more who were murdered in cold blood by unspeakable evil. May their memories be a blessing, and may we be reminded of the absolute necessity of building a future rooted, first and foremost, in the recognition of each other’s humanity.” 

 

Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy 

“Now more than ever, it is so important that we pay attention to the lessons of history as we witness the persecution of innocent people in cities and towns across our country, simply because of the color of their skin or the sound of their accent. As we remember the atrocities of that time and recognize the loss of freedoms and life that defined the Holocaust, we must continue to truly commit ourselves to never let this happen again.” 

 

Jody Kipnis, Co-founder and CEO, Holocaust Museum Boston 

“International Holocaust Remembrance Day asks us not only to remember the past, but to take responsibility in the present. By honoring survivors, condemning antisemitism, and supporting Holocaust education through institutions like Holocaust Museum Boston, the Massachusetts Legislature is affirming that memory must be paired with action. These resolutions underscore that truth matters, democracy matters, and silence in the face of hatred is never an option.” 

  

Dr. Nicole Freeman, Education Director, Holocaust Museum Boston 

“Holocaust education is not only about learning history, it is about understanding how prejudice, disinformation, and indifference take hold, and how they can be challenged. By preserving survivor testimony and supporting institutions like Holocaust Museum Boston, the Legislature is helping ensure that young people across the Commonwealth learn to recognize early warning signs and choose moral courage.” 

MAYOR WU URGES CAUTION AS BITTER COLD WEATHER REMAINS THROUGH SATURDAY; PROVIDES UPDATE ON CITY EFFORTS TO REMOVE SNOW FOLLOWING RECENT SNOW STORM

MAYOR WU URGES CAUTION AS BITTER COLD WEATHER REMAINS THROUGH SATURDAY; PROVIDES UPDATE ON CITY EFFORTS TO REMOVE SNOW FOLLOWING RECENT SNOW STORM

BOSTON - Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced a cold weather advisory and shared winter safety tips for today through Saturday, January 31, due to the extreme cold weather forecasted for this time period. Boston is forecasted to experience wind chills reaching as low as -5 degrees tonight into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Due to the anticipated frigid cold weather that is following the snowfall, it’s important for residents and property owners to clear snow before it freezes to avoid dangerous conditions for vehicles and pedestrians.

 

​"As this stretch of winter weather continues with freezing temperatures and strong wind gusts through the rest of the week, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and take all necessary precautions,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I'm grateful to all of our city teams who continue to work around the clock to ensure our residents and families are safe and warm. With this ongoing bitterly cold weather creating the potential for snow freezing over into ice, we are reminding all property owners to thoroughly clear their sidewalks for everyone’s safety."   

 

The City of Boston issues a cold advisory when there is one day or more of 0°F or below observed wind chill. Due to the low temperatures, there is an increased risk for hypothermia and frostbite for certain individuals, such as those experiencing homelessness, the elderly, and young children. Cold weather may also exacerbate health issues in high-risk populations.

 

Following the major winter storm that dropped 23 inches of snow, the eighth-largest snowfall on record, the City continues cleanup efforts across all neighborhoods. At the height of the storm, the Public Works Department deployed over 900 pieces of equipment to treat and clear streets throughout Boston. 

 

While streets have been cleared, snow plowing and roadway treatment operations are ongoing as residents work to clear snow around their parked vehicles and property. Space savers should be removed by Wednesday evening. They will start to be picked up on Thursday as part of regular trash collection. 

 

Crews are working to improve visibility around intersections and to ensure safe access to crosswalks and curb ramps. Both pedestrians and drivers should use caution at intersections where snowbanks may impact visibility. Public Works continues to coordinate with Boston Public Schools to ensure bus routes are accessible. To clear routes and create more space at key intersections, Public Works will begin snow removal operations tonight at 10 p.m. and continue through 5 a.m. tomorrow. Residents may see heavy equipment working to remove large piles of snow from the street to various off-road locations.  

 

“We sincerely thank all our residents, commercial property owners and institutions who took the time to clear their property in a timely manner,” said Nick Gove, Interim Chief of Streets. “Your cooperation and partnership supports our efforts to keep our neighborhood streets and sidewalks clear, safe and accessible for everyone.”

 

Mayor Wu is advising all residents to take precautions, including reminding everyone to check in on older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If anyone sees someone experiencing homelessness out in the cold, please call 911. If residents are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or a place not intended for living during these extreme cold temperatures, residents are encouraged to call 911 as well. 

 

While the temperature forecast does not reach the threshold for declaring a cold emergency, Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) will be open Tuesday through Saturday during their normal operating hours. A full list of locations and their hours can be found here. Residents can also visit the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square or any branch location during BPL’s normal operating hours.

 

Information and resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness:

 

·       If you see a person experiencing homelessness or individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented, or underdressed for the cold, please call 911.

·       The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) utilizes a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies, and first responders to assist those in need of shelter.

·       Boston Public Health Commission's emergency shelters are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees), amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City also work closely with other shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold.

·       Shelters are available any time of day or night for those in need.

·       During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day.



Cold weather safety tips:

 

Dress for the weather:

 

·       Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.

·       Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent.

·       Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well.

·       Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.  

·       Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.

·       Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Watch for signs of frostbite:

 

·       Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

 

Watch for signs of hypothermia:

 

·       These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms. If symptoms are severe, call 911.

 

Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants:

 

·       Following the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.

·       In case of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber, and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately.

·       If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, call 311 to file a complaint.

 

Heating safety:

 

·       Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, a kitchen stove, or any other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can quickly cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. 

·       Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.

·       Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, but it is poisonous and can be deadly.

·       Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including people.

·       Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room, or go to bed.

 

Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:

 

·       The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate their home's main water shut-off valve and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.

·       Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing.

·       Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air around pipes. A trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold can also help prevent them from freezing up.

·       Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight.

·       If pipes freeze, thaw them slowly with a hair dryer, if possible. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call the BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.  

 

Emergency home repair resources: 

 

·       Income-eligible homeowners and Boston residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces, and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).   

·       In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income-eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand-new heating system, even before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.   

·       The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will have additional staff available to support residents throughout the extreme weather.

 

For alerts, including cold-weather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston. More information can be found on boston.gov/cold

麻州推「奮力向前」計畫 掃除電力路障加速建屋

       （Boston Orange綜合編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）和副州長Kim Driscoll 27日宣佈，州政府將和永源（Eversource）、國家電網（National Grid），Unitil等合作，推出「奮力向前（Power Forward）」計畫，以簡化電力併網流程，掃除基建延宕障礙，降低開發隱形成本，加速新屋建設。

為確保政策精準對接業界需求，麻州府將於 2 月 6 日下午 1 點 與 2 月 27 日中午 12 點 舉辦「併網流程研討會」與「即時地圖演示」，協助開發商在購地前就能預判電力風險；並於 3 月 17 日 召開首屆「電力連接改進論壇」，邀集各界研議長期的成本分攤方案。全案預計於 2026 年 4 月 全面受理資助申請。

根據麻州住房與宜居社區廳（EOHLC）在《2024可負擔住家法（Affordable Homes Act）》通過後編制的「全州住房計劃」，麻州須在 2025 到 2035 年間增加 22.2 萬戶 住宅，才能維持經濟競爭力，並緩解因供應不足導致的房價飆漲。

然而，在現實中建商往往「有心無力」。依現行規定，建商必須先向電力公司申請併網研究，確定有電可用後才能推動建案。但開發商常在諮詢過程中發現，必須分攤極其昂貴的電網擴充費——例如每更換一英里地下電纜耗資約 900 萬美元，換算下來，每戶住宅需額外分攤 3 至 6 萬美元 成本。加上等待擴網審核與施工的時間往往超過 12 個月甚至長達 3 年，導致許多開發案被迫撤銷。

此外，麻州 2021 年通過的《氣候藍圖法案（Climate Roadmap Act）》確立了 2050 年淨零排放目標，並制定了「專門能源規範（Specialized Code）」。自 2023 年這項推動「全電化」的建築規範生效後，波士頓、伍斯特（Worcester）等 30 多個主要城市已採納實施。新規定要求新建築若使用瓦斯，必須安裝大量太陽能並預留全電化線路，導致住宅大樓的電力需求比傳統建築暴增約 2.5 倍。面對鉅額的電力升級成本與技術門檻，建商放棄建案的比率隨之陡升。

根據麻州住宅研究機構（Boston Indicators）2025 年 10 月發表的最新報告，麻州新屋施工許可證從 2021 年的高峰約 19,800 戶，跌至 2024 年的 14,300 戶，平均下滑 28%；在以多戶型建案為主的波士頓市，跌幅更高達 44%。在伍斯特和羅爾（Lowell）等門戶城市，更因地方電網老舊且負載達極限，擴充電力供應需等待 3 年，已有三成建案因此告吹。

麻州政府因此推出「奮力向前」計畫。由麻州能源資源署（DOER）資助，在 2026 至 2027 兩年內，針對永源、國家電網及 Unitil 服務範圍內的市鎮，提供 60 個「先進電網研究（Advanced Grid Studies）」資助名額，進行深度的電力供應量建模分析。

換言之，有意開發的建商或市鎮在申請建築許可、甚至買地之前，可先向電力公司申辦「零步驟（Step Zero）」服務。這相當於一份「電力體檢」，由電力公司針對該地塊做初步評估。若結果顯示電力不足，市鎮即可據此向州政府申請補助；一旦獲批，州政府將直接撥款給電力公司做昂貴的「先進電網研究」，除去建商自行負擔的壓力。

麻州政府指出，以往升級變電站與鋪設電纜的高昂費用，都是由建商「最後買單」並直接轉嫁進房價，成為居住成本居高不下的主因之一。現在透過「奮力向前」計畫，州府將透過公共預算資助前期研究，並研議將變電站、電纜等硬體升級成本視為「公共基礎建設投資」，致力促使住房價格回歸合理範圍。

Healey-Driscoll Administration and Electric Utilities Launch the Power Forward Initiative to Build Housing Faster and Lower Costs 

The Administration and utilities announce several additional measures aimed at bringing new housing and other projects online more quickly and efficiently, reducing project development costs 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration has joined the state’s two largest electric utilities – Eversource and National Grid – in announcing Power Forward, a new initiative to get housing connected to the electric grid faster. 

Power Forward will support municipalities in evaluating electric grid capacity in areas that are primed for development with the goal of bringing more housing online as quickly, efficiently and affordably as possible. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll announced Power Forward at Connect 351, Massachusetts Municipal Association’s annual conference on Saturday. 

Power Forward is one of several collaborative efforts between state agencies, local officials, utilities, and developers to meet the state’s urgent housing needs.   

“We're cutting red tape to get housing built as quickly as possible and lower costs,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through this collaboration with the electric utilities, we’re making it easier and more affordable to get new housing connected to our grid, which means getting people in homes faster. This is how we move at the speed of business.” 

“Developers have told us limited grid capacity and long timelines create real challenges for getting the housing we need built,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These new initiatives will give developers and municipalities the early information they need to make informed decisions about where to build and how to get needed housing projects online quickly.” 

“National Grid’s electric distribution networks play a critical role in supporting housing development across the Commonwealth,” said Morgan Steacy, Vice President of Connections and Strategic Accounts for National Grid New England. “Through early-stage coordination and collaboration among the Healey-Driscoll Administration, utilities, municipalities, and developers, Power Forward will help streamline planning and provide greater clarity on the infrastructure costs needed for electrification. We are committed to working with all involved to accelerate affordable, energy-efficient housing development.” 

“Eversource is proud to work closely with the Healey-Driscoll Administration, developers and organizations such as the Home Builders and Remodelers Association to streamline the electric connection process,” said Warren Boutin, Vice President of Customer Grid Electrification Solutions at Eversource. “Listening to our developers and prioritizing their needs, we’ve developed and launched an enhanced self-serve capacity map that enables housing developers to determine if the existing infrastructure has the available capacity to serve their project before expending time and money on a study that may only determine the existing electrical infrastructure would require significant investment and pose a barrier to potential development.”    

Current Process Is Cumbersome  

Housing and real estate developers, municipalities and businesses currently face a complex and evolving process to connect new development projects to the electric grid. It can be challenging and time-consuming for developers to understand where there is grid capacity and how much it will cost to connect to the grid. Developers must pay for studies to determine precisely how much electricity is available at a site and what grid upgrades – such as new transformers, distribution lines, substation upgrades – are needed to safely connect their project. This process can take anywhere from several weeks to multiple years depending on the project scope and can add significant time and potentially costs to much needed housing developments. 

“Layers of process and added costs stand in the way of getting more housing built. We’re grateful to the electric utilities for simplifying the process that should help to reduce costs and result in getting people into new homes faster,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This announcement is a significant milestone in our year-long collaboration with the electric utilities and stakeholders to urgently implement solutions to make connecting to the grid simpler, more efficient, and cost-effective. Today’s announcement is only the beginning. We will continue to act with urgency to unlock housing and economic development opportunities in Massachusetts.”  

Power Forward 

Power Forward will support alignment of Massachusetts’ energy infrastructure with its urgent housing needs by conducting advanced grid studies for municipalities, giving cities and towns a clear pathway to evaluate where new affordable, energy-efficient housing can be built quickly and cost-effectively. Dedicated project managers at the utilities will support municipalities in understanding grid readiness and what upgrades are needed to advance projects submitted through Power Forward. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) will also support up to 60 advanced grid studies over the next two years for designated municipalities. Both utilities and DOER will provide additional information and resources on Power Forward, including holding a webinar for municipal officials, in Spring 2026 in advance of accepting applications in April. 

“Power Forward will accelerate the process so we can improve available grid capacity and get housing built faster,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “Adding high-performance energy-efficient housing provides healthy, resilient living spaces with lower monthly energy costs. Initiatives like this are how we address our housing and energy challenges.” 

Governor Healey has made increasing housing production, lowering project development costs, and cutting red tape a top priority of her administration. Since taking office, nearly 100,000 new homes have been built or are in development. She passed the state’s most ambitious housing legislation in history, eliminated forced renter-paid broker’s fees, put hundreds of acres of vacant state-owned land out to bid for housing, launched an office to housing conversion program and tax incentive, increased housing development tax credits to create thousands of homes in Gateway Cities, and cut down on environmental permitting timelines.  

“This Administration is using every tool in our toolbox to make it easier and more affordable to build new housing in Massachusetts and to bring down costs for residents,” said Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus. “We’re proud to partner with Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil on Power Forward to get new housing projects across the state hooked up to the grid faster, and I congratulate my colleagues at EEA for leading this essential effort.” 

Additional Grid Connection Improvements 

The Administration and all three investor-owned utilities – Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil – announced the launch of several other resources and efforts aimed at further streamlining and standardizing the grid connection process.  

· Eversource has launched a new, online tool to identify real-time grid capacity at the parcel level within its service territory. National Grid also hosts a real-time grid capacity map online. Eversource and National Grid will hold an event for municipal leaders on February 27, 2026 at 12pm to demonstrate the maps’ capabilities and how municipalities can use them. 

· All three utilities now have a “Step Zero” offering, which provides customers with detailed information on available grid capacity at a site prior to submitting a new service request. 

· All three utilities have processes to enable customers to escalate delays or other pain points in the new service connection process to the correct utility supervisor or leadership team member.  

· Eversource and National Grid will hold a webinar for municipal officials to explain the grid connection process and to answer questions on February 6, 2026 at 1pm. 

Information on these initiatives and more can now be found on a new one-stop website for information about the customer grid connection process, which provides all Massachusetts residents and businesses with easy-to-understand information on the grid connection process, frequently asked questions, and links to relevant utility websites and tools, including the utilities’ grid capacity maps.  

The Administration also established the “Electric Connections Improvements Forum”, which will bring the utilities, developers, state agencies, and other stakeholders together semi-annually to identify additional pain points in the grid connection process and to develop solutions. The first two Electric Connections Improvements Forums will be held on March 17, 2026, and September 15, 2026, at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts. More information on these Forums can be found on the Administration’s new grid connection website.  

Taken together, these changes aim to speed up the process of connecting to the grid for all new projects, cut down on unnecessary project costs, and streamline timelines to prevent unanticipated delays.  

Governor Healey’s Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act would also improve the grid connection processes for new development by creating processes to proactively identify and build utility infrastructure to facilitate economic development and housing, further integrating economic development needs into ongoing grid planning efforts. The legislation also requires electric utilities to provide flexible interconnection solutions to reduce customer costs and timelines for interconnection, at no cost to other customers. 

“Unitil is committed to making the interconnection process clearer and more predictable for our customers,” said Unitil Director of External Affairs Alec O’Meara. “By working together with state partners and other utilities to highlight the resources available, we can help customers discover the tools they need to safely and efficiently connect new projects to the grid.”