Westfield Gas & Electric is proud to be one of 40 locally owned utilities serving communities across Massachusetts. As a public power utility, we are guided by the core principles that have defined municipal utilities for generations: safety, local control, affordability, reliability, and accountability to the ratepayers we serve.
Westfield residents and businesses know that our commitment extends far beyond keeping rates competitive and the lights on. As a community-owned utility, every decision we make is rooted in what is best for Westfield. We invest in and support local organizations, partner on economic development, and work alongside our customers to advance clean energy initiatives that are required by the Commonwealth to achieve its ambitious climate goals.
At the heart of these efforts is WG&E’s Energy Supply team. Every day, this team evaluates energy markets and carefully manages the resources that power our community. Their work requires balancing immediate concerns—such as weather conditions, fuel markets, and geopolitical events—with long-term planning focused on affordability, reliability, environmental stewardship, and compliance with state energy policies.
The result is a diverse and forward-thinking energy portfolio that continues to evolve as cleaner technologies become available. In 2026, we anticipate emissions-free energy resources to account for approximately 93% of WG&E’s electricity supply. We plan for more than half of Westfield’s total electricity load to be served by non-emitting nuclear generation, while hydropower will contribute 27%, wind resources 5%, and solar projects another 6%.
Massachusetts law has established some of the most ambitious climate objectives in the nation, including a commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions on electricity generation by 2050 with interim emissions-reduction targets of 50% by 2030 and 75% by 2040. WG&E is currently well positioned to exceed the commonwealth’s non-emitting energy requirements through 2038 and is evaluating additional opportunities to extend its position even further into the future. Through strategic long-term power supply agreements, we have secured emissions-free energy resources that not only support environmental goals but also provide valuable price stability for Westfield ratepayers. These agreements help to shield customers from market volatility while ensuring a reliable supply of clean electricity for years to come.
While these long-term investments are critical to protecting both our customers and the environment, we also recognize that meaningful progress begins at home. That is why WG+E offers a wide range of programs designed to help residential and commercial customers reduce energy use, lower costs, and make more sustainable choices. We call these programs our “Ways to Save,” and they provide practical solutions for nearly every customer.
For homeowners, one of the most valuable resources available is a no-cost-to-you home energy audit. During the audit, WG&E specialists evaluate a home’s energy performance and identify opportunities for improved efficiency, comfort, and savings. Customers can schedule an appointment by calling 413-322-3111.
The energy audit also serves as the first step for customers interested in participating in WG&E’s Home Plus Program (https://www.wgeld.org/form-pages/home-plus/). Eligible homeowners may qualify for an interest-free loan to install recommended energy-efficiency improvements, including insulation, windows, doors, and air-source heat pumps. Following a successful pilot program in a limited service area during 2025, the Home Plus Program has expanded in 2026 and is now available to residential homeowners who heat their homes with electricity, propane, or oil.
As an additional incentive for the Home Plus Program, customers who reside in designated Environmental Justice areas in Westfield (see map here: https://txts.cc/43sPCXR) are eligible for an additional $3,500 rebate toward the cost of an electrical panel upgrade, helping prepare their homes for increased electrification and future energy-saving technologies.
Local businesses also have access to a variety of energy-saving opportunities. We understand that managing heating and electricity costs is a critical component of a successful bottom line. Whether planning a new construction project, renovating an existing facility, or exploring efficiency upgrades, commercial customers can work directly with WG+E to identify cost-effective solutions that reduce energy consumption and improve long-term operational savings.
As Westfield continues to grow, WG&E remains dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy to our community. We are committed not only to securing responsible energy resources but also helping customers take advantage of programs and incentives that make energy-efficient upgrades more accessible.
Every day, our employees work to keep rates competitive while making thoughtful decisions about the energy that powers our homes, schools, businesses, and public spaces. We proactively plan for the future and develop programs that help benefit our customers financially and environmentally.
When you see a WG&E truck driving through town, you may notice our slogan: “Together we have the power to make a difference.” Those words reflect more than a mission statement — they represent a shared commitment between our utility and the community we serve. By working together, we can continue building a stronger, more sustainable future for Westfield while preserving the affordability and reliability that our customers depend on every day.
Tom Flaherty Sr. is the general manager for Westfield Gas & Electric and Whip City Fiber.