Massachusetts Can Meet Clean Energy Goals and Advance Environmental Justice: New Analysis and Recommendations

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (May 5, 2026)-Two new reports released today outline a path for Massachusetts to simultaneously meet its clean energy goals and advance environmental justice. The reports were prepared by the Applied Economics Clinic on behalf of Clean Energy Group (CEG), Vote Solar, and the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

The first report, "Electrification with Equity, Part 1: The Opportunity for Behind-the-Meter Solar and Storage in Massachusetts," evaluates the opportunity for behind-the-meter (BTM) solar and solar paired with storage to offset expected increases in Massachusetts' forecasted peak demand from electrification. The report estimates that the highly suitable technical potential of BTM storage (paired with solar) is 40 gigawatts (GW)-more than 1.5 times Massachusetts' forecasted 2050 peak demand of 24 GW, and 254 times the Massachusetts current BTM storage capacity of just 157 megawatts (MW). Lastly, the report identifies barriers to BTM solar paired storage deployment and outlines policy recommendations to overcome these barriers.

The second report, "Electrification with Equity, Part 2: Scaling Behind-The-Meter Solar and Storage in Massachusetts Environmental Justice Neighborhoods," estimates that the technical potential of BTM solar and storage in Massachusetts' environmental justice (EJ) neighborhoods is 31.3 GW of solar-enough to power all of Massachusetts' almost 3 million homes-and 13.4 GW of paired storage. When sited in these neighborhoods, BTM solar and storage could improve affordability of electric bills, increase household autonomy, provide backup power during outages, and reduce heat-related health impacts among community members. Lastly, the report identifies barriers to BTM solar and solar paired with storage adoption in Massachusetts' EJ neighborhoods and makes recommendations to overcome these barriers through new or improved energy, climate and housing policy or programs. An executive summary of this report is available in Spanish.

"Technology is not the barrier to bringing clean energy to scale - the barrier is unambitious policy and program design," said Todd Olinsky-Paul, Senior Project Director with CEG. "Massachusetts can and must revise its distributed energy programs to take advantage of the enormous technical potential of behind-the-meter solar and storage in combination with electrification and efficiency. This is imperative to achieve an equitable and affordable clean energy transition."

"As the federal government steps away from clean energy and communities continue to feel the heavy burden of rising energy bills and climate change, it is crucial that states champion proven clean energy solutions, like solar," said Elena Weissmann, Senior Northeast Regional Director with Vote Solar. "We are hopeful these reports will encourage Massachusetts to use distributed solar and storage to help meet the commonwealth's energy needs affordably- all while honoring its commitment to equitable clean energy for everyone."

"This study clearly illustrates the enormous potential of equitable clean energy policies to create widespread cost savings while protecting public health and making communities more resilient to extreme weather," said Paula García, Senior Manager of Energy Justice Research and Policy with UCS. "Solar and storage resources are virtually untapped in environmental justice communities, missing the promise of an energy transition that works for all. Policymakers must ensure that the benefits of a clean energy economy are successfully unlocked for communities most impacted by dirty, expensive and outdated fossil fuels."

"For many Massachusetts households, high energy bills are more than a monthly expense-they are a persistent barrier to economic stability," said Mary Wambui with the Planning Office for Urban Affairs. "This report demonstrates that behind-the-meter solar and storage offer a definitive path to lower costs and long-term financial relief. But the technology alone is not a cure-all; we need intentional program design to bridge the access gap. Massachusetts must ensure that the clean energy transition is built on a foundation of affordability, centering the very communities that have historically borne the highest energy burdens."

Register here for a 2-part webinar series to learn more about the report's findings and recommendations:

• Webinar #1: Advancing a Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Energy Transition in Massachusetts with Solar+Storage, Tuesday, May 19, 2-3pm ET
• Webinar #2: Solar+Storage for Massachusetts Environmental Justice Communities: Benefits, Barriers, and Solutions, Tuesday, May 26, 2-3pm ET

Media Contacts:
Daela Taeoalii-Tipton, [email protected], Union of Concerned Scientists Communications Officer
Estrella Lozano, [email protected], Vote Solar Press and Media Associate
Samantha Donalds, [email protected], Clean Energy Group Communications Manager

About Clean Energy Group Clean Energy Group (CEG) is a national nonprofit organization working on innovative technical, economic, and policy solutions to accelerate the equitable deployment of clean energy technologies. By serving as a trusted partner for communities, advocates, and policymakers working at the forefront of the energy transition, CEG bridges critical gaps in the clean energy space through expert technical assistance, responsive guidance, and independent analysis. Learn more at https://www.cleanegroup.org.

About Vote Solar Vote Solar is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to advance state-level policies that make solar solutions accessible to all. Since 2002, Vote Solar has worked to build an equitable clean energy future by leveraging deep policy expertise, strategic partnerships, and public engagement. In the face of powerful opposition, Vote Solar champions bold solutions that expand clean energy access, drive investment in frontline communities, and accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy. Learn more at https://www.votesolar.org.

About the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with people across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future. For more information, go to https://www.ucs.org.

About Applied Economics Clinic (AEC) Applied Economics Clinic (AEC) is a mission-based non-profit consulting group that offers expert services in the areas of energy, environment, consumer protection, and equity from seasoned professionals while providing on-the-job training to the next generation of technical experts. AEC's staff are committed to addressing climate change and environmental injustice in all its forms through diligent, transparent, and comprehensible research and analysis. Learn more at https://www.aeclinic.org.