Massachusetts Regulators Open the Door for Community Voices in Energy Decisions

(BOSTON) The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities issued an Order today adopting final regulations to create the state’s first Intervenor Support Grant Program. The program provides funding to community groups, local governments, federally recognized Tribes, state-recognized and state-acknowledged Tribes, and organizations that have lacked the resources, funding, or technical expertise to participate in regulatory energy decisions. Grants can cover fees for attorneys, expert witnesses, consultants, and community experts. Adopted under the 2024 Climate Act, the rules lower barriers to participation, value community expertise, and help ensure people most affected by energy decisions can help shape the evidence and outcomes regulators rely on.  

“This order moves Massachusetts forward by opening utility decisions to the people who live with the consequences. By funding meaningful participation, the DPU invites community knowledge and information about local impacts into the record, strengthening decisions and outcomes as the Commonwealth builds a cleaner, more affordable energy future.” 

• Jolette Westbrook, Director & Senior Attorney, Regulatory Solutions, Environmental Defense Fund