Special to the IndependentGovernor Maura Healey called for swift action and passage of her energy affordability legislation to lower energy bills and rein in utility spending. “It is absolutely outrageous that, at a time when the people of Massachusetts are struggling to pay their energy bills, utility spending, profits and shareholder payouts are skyrocketing,” said Governor Healey. Governor Healey and AG Campbell opposed this proposal and rallied all New England Governors to oppose the proposal. Governor Healey’s energy affordability legislation gives the state new tools to lower energy bills by bringing more affordable energy online, reducing unnecessary costs for customers, and holding utilities accountable for excessive spending and profits. Governor Healey also urged the committee to include protections for ratepayers, communities and the environment from higher costs and other negative impacts driven by data centers, in keeping with her recently released framework.