Housing advocates sent a letter to Massachusetts lawmakers opposing a proposed budget cut that would remove $1 billion from Mass Save’s 2027 budget. Additionally, the letter opposed a separate proposal the advocates said would redirect 70% of Alternative Compliance Payments away from clean energy projects.

In the letter, over 160 organizations raised concerns that the cuts would threaten 40,000 affordable housing units in the production pipeline, eliminate jobs related to clean energy and lead to higher electricity costs across the Commonwealth.

“There’s no question that we’re facing an energy affordability crisis in the Commonwealth. But Mass Save is key to solving that crisis,” said Alexander Gard-Murray, executive director of Passive House Massachusetts in a press release. “Cutting Mass Save to make energy more affordable is like burning your sweater to get warm. And efficiency incentives don’t just help the people who receive them: by reducing peak electricity loads they avoid unnecessary grid spending, saving money for all ratepayers.”

Proponents of the budget cut cited increased energy costs whileclaiming the legislation would result in over $9 billion in savings for utility ratepayers over the next 10 years.

“This legislation is one that takes a long-term look at our energy needs and focuses the conversation squarely on affordability for ratepayers,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz in a press release. “Without a Federal partner in Washington, the Commonwealth finds itself in a difficult position. By making our energy infrastructure more transparent and more predictable, and by controlling costs, we can improve the lives of millions of our residents while at the same time bringing more energy onto the grid.”