BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey posted a video on X Monday that’s drawing sharp criticism for coming across as tone-deaf amid sky-high electricity bills.
In the following video clip, Healey announces she just signed an executive order she claims will bring enough energy into the state to power 2 million homes and save families and businesses $10 million. She then pulls out a box of Dunkin’ Munchkins to “break it down in terms everyone understands.”
Her exact words:
“I just signed an Executive Order to bring enough energy into Massachusetts to power 2 million homes — and save families and businesses $10 million. So how does our all-of-the-above energy strategy actually lower your bills? Let’s break it down in terms everyone understands: munchkins.”
The governor uses the donut holes as visual props to illustrate her energy plan — a presentation many residents are calling childish and insulting at a time when Massachusetts families are struggling with some of the highest electricity costs in the nation.
Massachusetts Electricity Costs: Among the Highest in the U.S.
According to the latest official data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Electric Power Monthly (data for January 2026, released March 24, 2026):
- Massachusetts residential electricity rate: 31.16 cents per kWh
- U.S. national average: 17.45 cents per kWh
Massachusetts residents pay nearly double the national average — and far more than people in low-cost states like North Dakota (10.92 ¢/kWh) or Louisiana (12.46 ¢/kWh), according to eia.gov.
* Direct EIA source for factchecking (Table 5.6.A):
Average Price of Electricity to Ultimate Customers by State – January 2026
Independent sites citing the same EIA data (ElectricChoice.com and ChooseEnergy.com, updated April 2026) show Massachusetts consistently ranking in the top 3–5 most expensive states for residential power, alongside Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
“Massachusetts (31.51¢), Rhode Island (31.30¢), and Maine (29.55¢) rank among the five most expensive states nationally,” Electricity Rates by State (April 2026) | Electric Choice
Why Are MA Rates Among the Highest in the Nation?
According to electricchoice.com,
“Massachusetts’s rates reflect constrained natural gas pipeline capacity causing winter price spikes, aging infrastructure requiring billions in upgrades, ambitious clean energy mandates (including the nation’s largest offshore wind commitments), high property and labor costs…” Massachusetts Electricity Plans | April 2026
“Massachusetts has the third-highest electricity rates in the continental United States…” “With rates averaging 31.51¢/kWh—75% above the national average…” Massachusetts Electricity Plans | April 2026
As can be seen by visiting the comments responding to Governor Healey’s post on X (see post link below), the video’s lighthearted “Munchkin” approach has struck many as out of touch — especially with the state’s ongoing energy affordability crisis still front and center for families and businesses.
CLICK HERE to read the replies to Governor Healey’s post on X.
The following is the actual donut hole energy strategy explanation posted by Governor Maura Healey on X:
P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by The Sex Pistols…
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