As communities across the country are exploring ways to transition to cleaner, more resilient energy systems, Westfield Gas & Electric is taking direct action for change. As a locally owned utility, we are accountable to the people we serve and committed to prioritizing sustainability, affordability, and reliability. We are proud to serve this community with some of the lowest rates in New England and a strong tradition of service. By investing in renewable energy, modernizing grids, and reinvesting earnings locally, WG+E can play a critical role in meeting green energy goals and setting Westfield up for long-term success.

A good energy portfolio is like a balanced diet, including a variety of sources for keeping the power on. If one source is not producing much on a particular day (like solar panels on a cloudy day), the other sources will fill the gap. A diverse combination of assets helps to provide reliable, steady, and ideally, cleaner energy for customers. In 2024, over half of Westfield’s total load came from non-emitting nuclear assets, 18% from hydropower resources, 4% from wind resources, and 4% from solar projects. Massachusetts has established ambitious climate goals, looking to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. With the addition of new resources and their clean energy credits entering our portfolio, WG+E is well positioned to surpass the Commonwealth’s non-emitting energy requirements through 2038. Going forward, WG+E will add more non-emitting resources to our portfolio to continue meeting these net zero targets.

To provide for new projects which WG+E hopes to bring to Westfield, we have created a Green Energy Fund, dedicated to promoting renewable generation and carbon-reducing projects within Westfield’s borders. The fund was created in 2021 after former Governor Baker signed comprehensive climate change legislation requiring Net Zero emissions in 2050. This fund will support major projects intended to help us to meet the state requirements.

With a dedication to non-emitting resources and a Green Energy fund backing us, WG+E is constantly exploring different projects to bring to Westfield. We are actively pursuing the potential for a new solar project, possibly partnering with a local entity, and would leverage available funding in addition to WG+E’s capital contribution. The ratepayers of Westfield would benefit from additional green energy right in their own backyard, and the energy attributes would help offset power costs and meet state goals.

Also this year, crews have started work on an accelerated program to replace cast iron pipe in Westfield. Funded by a $17MM federal grant, this important upgrade removes aging gas pipe for a safer, more reliable natural gas system, reducing methane emissions. WG+E plans to replace and abandon nearly 22 miles of aging low-pressure, cast-iron piping and replace 1,200 low-pressure services. The grants we have received allow us to make these important improvements while limiting the cost to our ratepayers.

In January, WG+E was proud to announce the first round of our Home Plus program. This innovative financing pilot program is designed to help Westfield homeowners transition to energy-efficient air source heat pump systems while improving a home’s overall energy efficiency. The program provides up to $27,000 for heat pump installations and qualified home efficiency improvements to homeowners currently heating their homes primarily with oil, wood, propane, or electric baseboard systems. We are pleased to support residents by making these upgrades accessible and simple with a no-interest loan that is repaid on the electric bill.

Customers in all areas of Westfield can benefit with a free home energy audit and many rebates available on the WG+E website (wgeld.org/pages/residential/ways-to-save). Simple changes like improving efficiency and switching to cleaner fuel sources are steps every homeowner can take to make a difference.

WG+E is dedicated to bringing clean and reliable energy to Westfield at the best price and offering incentives to help our customers make energy efficient upgrades. Each day we work to keep rates down and make responsible choices about the power we provide. We understand that there is a premium for these clean resources, which is why we are preparing to help offset the costs in the future. When you see our trucks around town, you know that our slogan is “together we have the power to make a difference” — and together, we will create a sustainable future for Westfield.

Tom Flaherty is the general manager for Westfield Gas & Electric and Whip City Fiber.