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What is The Future of Gas?

We submitted a detailed plan to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) on how the Commonwealth can achieve its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 while also maintaining safe, reliable, and cost-effective service for customers. 

Today, 638,000 Eversource Massachusetts customers use natural gas for heat and about 50% of electricity in the region is made with natural gas.

Through a robust stakeholder process, we collaborated with environmental agencies, technical experts and other gas utilities in Massachusetts to develop a detailed portfolio of solutions to give customers energy choices, while reducing carbon emissions at every stage of the gas delivery process.

We recognize there are multiple ways to get to net-zero emissions by 2050 and fully support the critical role we play in achieving this goal.

While we explore new technology options and balance the complexities of the transition to a lower carbon future, we believe natural gas is an important, safe and reliable near-term energy resource for customers.

We invite you to participate in the discussion on how we are planning for our future.

Our Plan

Our plan identifies actions in four areas:

1. Reduced energy demand
2. Hybrid electrification
3. Strategic electrification
4. Decarbonization of our gas network  

For example, we're conducting a networked geothermal pilot in Framingham that will allow multiple customers to be served from one system. It's the first of its kind in New England and provides an innovative approach to clean and sustainable heating and cooling.  

Other efforts include exploring "hybrid electrification" — combining electric air source heat pumps with natural gas for backup, blending lower-carbon gases from landfills and farms with traditional natural gas, and continuing our robust energy efficiency program and services so customers can reduce their overall energy demand.

You can read more details in the full plan.

Our efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the future do not change our commitment today to address current infrastructure improvement needs to lower methane emissions and ensure safe and reliable gas service for customers.

We also recognize that transitioning away from natural gas to clean energy resources will come with costs for customers. It's important that affordability for all customers be a major factor when considering the plans proposed by utilities.   

Upcoming Hearings

The DPU will be holding two virtual hearings, dates below, to gather customer input on our proposed plan. Written comments will also be accepted until June 22, 2022. Information on how to provide comments is available in the Notice of Filing and Public Hearing.

• Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m.
• Thursday, May 5 at 2 p.m. 

More Information

Learn more about the proceeding, the companies participating, the stakeholder and customer engagement process, and review all the materials submitted, on The Future of Gas website.