New England pays some of the highest electricity and natural gas prices in the U.S.—not because of its distance from supply, but because it’s effectively cut off from it.
Just a few hundred miles southwest is the Marcellus Shale, a massive and cost-effective gas basin. Yet instead of tapping this, New England often imports liquefied natural gas (LNG) from overseas—at global market prices.
1. The Pipeline Problem
• Multiple pipeline expansion attempts have been canceled/delayed.
• Causes: environmental opposition, community resistance, and regulatory issues.
• Result: insufficient pipeline capacity during winter demand spikes.
2. LNG: A Global Commodity with Global Prices
• New England imports LNG, mostly via Everett, MA.
• Competes globally with Europe and Asia.
• Post-Ukraine war: Europe turned to LNG, spiking prices.
• Despite being near abundant gas, New England pays premium prices.
3. When Gas Runs Out, Oil Comes In
• In severe cold: fallback to oil-fired power plants.
• Oil is more polluting, more expensive, and ironic for a green-conscious region.
• Due to lack of pipelines and gas storage, no alternative during peaks.
Policy Gridlock & A Path Forward
• Federal push (e.g., Trump-era): revive pipelines like the Constitution Pipeline to access Marcellus gas.
• Massachusetts push: restrict gas expansion, move to geothermal and renewables.
• Result: stalemate — Washington wants more pipelines; Boston wants less gas.
A middle ground is needed:
• Strategic pipeline upgrades
• Cleaner dual-fuel options
• Better market design
• Regional collaboration
Until then, New England remains dependent on global markets for a local problem.
.svg)
.png)
