EJ communities pay the most into Mass Save, receive the least
The State Auditor documented that communities with the highest EJ populations and renter rates contribute disproportionately more per capita — while receiving fewer benefits.
151%
More per capita contributed by 90%+ EJ communities vs. non-EJ (Finding 2)
3.2×
Higher contribution rate for Gateway Cities relative to income vs. state average (Finding 2)
93%
Of high-density municipalities are net contributors, not beneficiaries (Finding 3)
"Low-income communities are subsidizing this program for wealthier people and wealthier communities. That's just totally backwards." — Alex Pratt, Malden Strategic Planning (quoted in State Auditor press release, Sept 29, 2025)
Sources: All figures from Office of State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, "Who Pays and Who Gains? Analyzing Contributors and Beneficiaries of the Mass Save Program," Sept 29, 2025, mass.gov/audit. Per capita values from Finding 1 (state average $66.95), Finding 2 (EJ $90.67, GC $77.76 vs. non-GC $62.96), Finding 3 (high-density beneficiary rate). Quotes: Auditor press release, mass.gov/news, Sept 29, 2025; Boston Globe, Oct 1, 2025.