Massachusetts Governor Signs Order Mandating Clean Power for Large Data Centers

How Will Compliance Be Monitored and Enforced?

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order on September 9, 2026, requiring data centers with peak electricity demand exceeding 25 megawatts to generate or procure their own power and meet 100% of that demand with clean energy sources. The directive applies to both new and existing facilities operating within the state. State officials say the measure aims to reduce strain on the regional grid and accelerate decarbonization efforts in the tech sector.

The order responds to growing concerns about the energy consumption of large-scale computing facilities, which have drawn increasing power from New England’s grid as demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence workloads rises. By mandating self-supply and renewable energy use, the state seeks to ensure that major data center operators internalize their environmental impact rather than relying on fossil-fuel-heavy grid power during peak periods. Officials noted that several proposed projects in western Massachusetts had prompted scrutiny over their potential to trigger grid upgrades or increase emissions.

What Alternatives Exist for Meeting the Clean Power Mandate?

State energy regulators will require annual reporting from affected facilities detailing their power procurement methods and renewable energy certificates. Noncompliant operators could face fines or be denied permission to expand operations. The executive order directs the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to develop verification protocols within six months, including third-party auditing options. Industry representatives have expressed concern about the feasibility of sourcing sufficient renewable power locally, particularly for facilities in areas with limited wind or solar infrastructure.

Operators may satisfy the requirement through on-site generation, power purchase agreements with regional wind or solar farms, or investment in emerging technologies like geothermal or advanced nuclear where permitted. The state is also exploring incentives for green hydrogen storage and long-duration battery systems to help balance intermittent renewable supply. Officials emphasized flexibility in compliance pathways but stressed that the 100% clean energy target is non-negotiable. Some data center firms have already begun preliminary discussions with renewable developers about securing long-term contracts.

How does this order affect existing data centers in Massachusetts? Existing facilities exceeding the 25MW threshold must comply with the clean energy mandate, though they will be given a reasonable transition period to adjust their power contracts or infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can data centers use renewable energy credits to meet the requirement? Yes, renewable energy credits from qualifying regional projects are acceptable as part of demonstrating 100% clean energy procurement, provided they are verified and retired annually.

What happens if a data center cannot secure enough local clean power? Operators may procure renewable energy from outside Massachusetts if the credits are traceable to specific generators and meet state certification standards, though preference is given to in-state solutions to support local grid resilience.