Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Names Energy Resources Commissioner

BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Mahony to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources (DOER). DOER develops and implements policies and programs aimed at ensuring the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth's energy supply to create a clean, affordable, and resilient energy future for all residents, businesses, communities, and institutions. Mahony starts February 27. 

“I’ve worked with Elizabeth for many years,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “I’ve seen her in action, thinking up creative solutions to complex problems and delivering real results for the Commonwealth. Elizabeth will be at the epicenter of our clean energy transition, and I know she will prioritize ratepayers and advance equity in everything she does.”

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Department of Energy Resources to continue the important work of achieving the Commonwealth’s bold clean energy goals,” said Mahony. “We will be intently focused on preparing our grid for this transition, updating our housing stock for electrification, encouraging more solar, storage, and wind, and creating a fertile ground for the clean technology economy to flourish – all while centering environmental justice communities in the work.” 

“I’ve worked with Elizabeth on the urgent need for the ongoing dispersal of the Merrimack Valley Renewal Fund to directly benefit our community in Lawrence,” said Ana Javier, resident of Lawrence and Merrimack Valley Renewal Fund Advisory Committee member. “As we build back from the gas disaster, Elizabeth has been a visible advocate for our community – working to ensure the settlement funds are directed to our residents and businesses. I know that environmental justice communities like ours will have an ally in DOER with Elizabeth as commissioner.” 

“A clean energy future means lower energy bills, cleaner air, and healthier communities, but the transition must be equitable and inclusive,” added Sean Garren, Chief Program Officer at Vote Solar. “Elizabeth knows how to urgently scale up solar and other clean energy resources; she also understands the importance of centering equity and justice. I’m excited to have her at the helm of DOER.” 

“Elizabeth brings the knowledge, experience, thoughtfulness, and passion needed to lead this important department and hit the ground running on work that is critical to securing a green and just future in the Commonwealth,” said Susannah Hatch, Director of Clean Energy Policy at the Environmental League of Massachusetts. “She and I have worked closely to shape our procurement process for offshore wind and I know she will be a fantastic leader for DOER during this crucial time. I'm looking forward to working with her in this new role, to reach our clean energy goals in an equitable way.”

About Elizabeth Mahony 

Elizabeth Mahony most recently worked for Attorneys General Andrea Joy Campbell and Maura Healey as an Assistant Attorney General and Senior Policy Advisor for Energy. Elizabeth served in the Energy and Telecommunications Division, focusing on utility clean energy procurements, solar program development, clean energy rate design, consumer protections, and legislative engagement. Before joining the Attorney General’s Office, Elizabeth was Acting General Counsel for the Department of Energy Resources and Committee Counsel to Benjamin Downing, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy before that. Prior to her work in the energy field, Elizabeth was an associate at a small litigation firm in Quincy, Massachusetts, and was Public Affairs Director for the late Senator Susan C. Fargo (D-Lincoln). She is the Chair of the Consumer Liaison Group at ISO New England and is a member of the Boston Bar Association’s Energy Advisory Committee to the Energy Committee. Elizabeth is a graduate of Marist College and Suffolk University Law School. She lives in Walpole.

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