Massachusetts is witnessing a complex balancing act in its quest to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating and cooking. Ten communities in the state have pledged to go “fossil fuel free,” yet infrastructure spending on natural gas systems in these areas continues to rise.
Acton, Aquinnah, Arlington, Brookline, Cambridge, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Newton, and Northampton have received state approval to implement policies restricting fossil fuel hookups in new constructions and major renovations. These towns aim to significantly reduce natural gas dependency to meet local climate goals while navigating challenges such as increased costs and regulatory hurdles.
Despite these efforts, utility companies Eversource and National Grid have invested heavily in maintaining existing gas systems. Together, they have spent approximately $100 million since the adoption of fossil fuel-free ordinances in these communities, focusing mainly on replacing leaky pipes. This spending is part of the Gas System Enhancement Plan (GSEP), a state program designed to reduce methane emissions by encouraging the rapid repair of gas leaks.
The GSEP initiative has successfully reduced the number of reported gas leaks from 21,000 to 9,000 over a decade. However, the program’s costs have escalated, contributing to higher gas bills for residents despite decreased gas usage. In 2024, gas companies spent a record $814 million on GSEP projects, which has drawn criticism and calls for reform from state lawmakers.
Massachusetts’ Senate is considering a proposal to phase out GSEP by 2030, as part of broader efforts to cut energy bills and transition to clean energy. This proposal highlights the tension between maintaining existing gas infrastructure and the push for electrification and other non-pipeline alternatives.
David Morgan, an environmental planner in Arlington, acknowledges the importance of GSEP for safety but criticizes its rising costs and its impact on the state’s energy transition. “We want to see something that is effective and meets our climate action plan goals,” Morgan said.
The fossil fuel-free initiatives have shown promising results, with the state Department of Energy Resources reporting that projects in these communities are more energy-efficient compared to similar areas. However, ongoing investments in gas infrastructure, such as National Grid’s $10.5 million spending in Arlington, raise questions about the long-term feasibility of these commitments.
The implementation of non-pipeline alternatives remains a contentious issue. Despite a mandate from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) for utilities to consider such alternatives, none of the 500 proposed projects for 2026 were approved due to cost or system impact concerns. DPU Chair Jamie Van Nostrand has called for stronger action from gas companies to align with decarbonization targets.
Newton, one of the fossil fuel-free communities, has taken steps to collaborate with utilities on a joint community energy plan aimed at transitioning to a lower-carbon future. Yet, the challenges of balancing consumer choice, infrastructure needs, and climate goals continue to be a significant hurdle.
As Massachusetts navigates this complex transition, the state’s gas companies and regulatory bodies face the task of finding a viable path forward that meets environmental targets without imposing undue financial burdens on residents.
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Original Story at commonwealthbeacon.org