New Poll Finds Nearly Nine in Ten Massachusetts Voters Support Preserving Energy Choice

Majority Oppose Legislation That Would Allow Municipalities to Eliminate Retail Energy Choice

HARRISBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new independent statewide poll commissioned by the Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) found overwhelming support among Massachusetts electricity ratepayers for preserving the right to choose their electricity supplier, even as lawmakers consider legislation that would allow municipalities to eliminate retail energy choice.

The survey of 500 Massachusetts electricity ratepayers, conducted by DAPA Research Inc. of Lynnfield from June 14–19, 2026, found that 89% of respondents support maintaining the ability to choose their electricity supplier. Support remained remarkably consistent across political affiliations, including 88% of Democrats, 87% of Republicans, and 90% of Independents.

The poll also found that 65% of respondents oppose provisions in Massachusetts House Bill 5175 and Senate Bill 3143 that would authorize municipalities to prohibit retail energy choice within their communities. Additionally, a majority of respondents (52%) said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who supported such a municipal ban.

"The results of this survey are clear and compelling," said Frank Caliva, RESA's national spokesperson. "Massachusetts ratepayers overwhelmingly support preserving their right to choose their electricity supplier. Regardless of political affiliation or views on rising electricity costs, consumers believe they should retain the freedom to select the energy products and services that best fit their individual needs."

The survey also examined public perceptions surrounding electricity affordability. While respondents differed on whether increases in electricity bills were driven more by utility delivery charges or supplier charges, support for retail energy choice remained consistently high. Among respondents who believe utility delivery charges have increased the most, 91% still support preserving energy choice. Likewise, 92% of those who believe supplier charges have risen the most also support maintaining consumer choice.

Energy affordability is an important issue for Massachusetts families, businesses, policymakers and RESA member companies.

“In a time of high energy costs, why would policymakers remove consumers’ ability to shop for lower prices?” commented Caliva. “The polling demonstrates that regardless of how consumers view rising energy costs, they do not want lawmakers to eliminate their ability to choose their electricity supplier."

RESA noted that House Bill 5175 and Senate Bill 3143 include several provisions designed to strengthen consumer protection and improve the retail energy market, many of which the association has long supported. However, RESA believes provisions allowing municipalities to eliminate retail energy choice run counter to the preferences of Massachusetts consumers.

"Consumers want stronger protection and a competitive marketplace, not fewer choices," Caliva added. "The Commonwealth has an opportunity to enact meaningful reforms while preserving the freedom Massachusetts residents overwhelmingly value."

The poll strongly confirms eliminating energy choice is the opposite of what Massachusetts ratepayers want. They overwhelmingly believe that consumers should retain the right to choose the supplier that best meets their energy needs and preferences.

For more information on poll results, visit: https://www.resausa.org/new-poll-finds-nearly-nine-in-ten-massachusetts-voters-support-preserving-energy-choice/.

ABOUT THE POLL
The survey was conducted by DAPA Research Inc. of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, between June 14 and June 19, 2026, and included 500 Massachusetts electricity ratepayers.