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Massachusetts Power Grid Ranks as One of the Worst in the US in New Study

Author Beasley Media Editorial

Massachusetts‘ power grid has seen better days. And according to a new study, it’s one of the very worst power grids state-by-state in the country.

In the late 19th century, the first power plants popped up in Massachusetts, primarily serving urban centers like Boston. Early systems relied on direct current (DC), but the advent of alternating current (AC) technology revolutionized power distribution.

The 20th century saw significant expansion and the formation of utility companies. The Massachusetts Electric Company, founded in 1889, played a pivotal role. The power grid’s development paralleled industrial growth and urbanization.

Over time the grid expanded, modernizing with improved transmission and distribution infrastructure. The regional grid interconnected with neighboring states, fostering a more reliable power supply.

However, this system has faced wear and tear due to age, environmental factors, and evolving energy demands. Storms and extreme weather events have periodically caused damage, resulting in power outages. The need for upgrades to accommodate renewable energy integration and enhance grid resilience has become evident.

And that’s where we are today, with an aging power grid that is in need of repair and upgrades.

Generator Decision used data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration to figure out which states have the best and worst power grids in the United States. As you already know from the title of this article, Massachusetts pretty much bombed – we have the 42nd best power grid in the US, AKA 9th WORST in the country! Massachusetts was also dead-last when it comes to the New England states. Rhode Island struggled as well, coming in 39th best. Maine took 35th, Vermont 30th, and New Hampshire 25th. Connecticut gets the New England bragging rites. They have the best power grid in New England, finishing in 15th place nationally. Delaware was ranked #1 (best power grid in the country) and Florida finished in 2nd.

So, Massachusetts power grid is pretty scary. But you know what’s even scarier?? These 8 horror movies that were made right here in Massachusetts (though I’m sure they all blew the power a few times while filming).

Oh The Horror! These 8 Scary Movies Were Made In Or Close To Massachusetts

  • 1. Jaws

    Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard

    Starting with the obvious here. Steven Spielberg directed the original Jaws movie set in the fictional town of Amity Island, New York. Which, according to screenrants.com was supposed to be Long Island. There’s even town named Amityville there. So why was the 1975 movie filmed on Martha’s Vineyard?  The simple answer is, it was too crowded. Spielberg wanted the area to feel more isolated.

  • 2. The Conjuring

    Harrisville, RI 

    The first installment in this horror franchise was in 2013 and centered on the real-life story of husband and wife, Ed and Lorraine Warren. They investigated paranormal events. The film focused on a 1971 case where the Warrens probed into a witch’s curse at a farmhouse located in Harrisville, which is part of Burrillville, Rhode Island. Now, you can pay to stay overnight at the house. Oh, that would be a no for me, thank you.

  • 3. The Witch

    Although The Witch wasn’t filmed here, it was set here. The 2015 movie was written and directed by Robert Eggers, who lived in New Hampshire, according to Wikipedia “was inspired to write the film by his childhood fascination with witches and frequent visits to the Plimoth Plantation as a schoolboy.” The movie is set in 1630s New England and starred Anna Taylor Joy in her film debut. 

  • 4. The Haunting

    Berkshires (Western Mass)

    This 1999 remake of The Haunting (1963) takes place in the Berkshires, although the house is actually located in England. As the story goes, a group of people come together at this Western Massachusetts sprawling estate thinking they have signed on for an insomnia study. Ultimately, they find themselves plagued by paranormal events in Hill House, which has a very grim history. Starring Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Owen Wilson.

  • 5. Altered States

    Beacon Hill, Boston and Harvard Medical School

    Filmed partially at Harvard Medical School, Beacon Hill and Logan International Airport, this 1999 thriller stars William Hurt, in his film debut. It’s described as a “science fiction body horror film.” Drew Barrymore also made her film debut in this gem. It’s about a highly respected scientist and psychology professor and his work on combining sensory deprivation tanks with hallucinogenic drugs. The more he works on the experiment, the more he loses his sense of reality.

  • 6. The Covenant

    Ipswich

    The 2006 supernatural horror movie was directed by Renny Harlin. It’s set in Ipswich, where 4 high school boys, known as the Sons of Ipswich, are all descendants of colonial witch families. They boys all of magical powers that manifest when they turn 13, and grow stronger every year. The power is addicting. And eventually leads to their premature aging and death. Struggles ensue and dead spirits arise.

  • 7. Shutter Island

    Boston

    Based on the Dennis Lehane novel, this 2010 American neo=noir psychological thriller was directed by Maritn Scorsese and starred Leonardo DiCaprio. The shooting took place at Peddocks Island, which is a ferry ride away from Boston Harbor, just south of the Harbor. The story follows  U.S. Marshal Edward “Teddy” Daniels in 1954 as he and his new partner travel to Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane on Shutter Island, Boston Harbor. They are there to investigate the disappearance of a patient of the hospital who had previously drowned her three children.

  • 8. Hocus Pocus

    Salem

    Ok, I know, not particularly a spooky movie, but certainly worth mentioning here because of it’s famous setting and popularity. This 1993 Walt Disney Halloween Movie follows a “villainous comedic trio of witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) who are inadvertently resurrected by a teenage boy (Omri Katz) in Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night.” (Wikipedia). Some of the filming locations included the Old Burial Hill in Marblehead, the Old Town Hall in Salem, where the town Halloween party takes place, and Phillips Elementary School. The school is where the witches are trapped in a kiln. And did you know the exterior for Max and Dani’s house is a actually a private residence on Ocean Avenue in Salem?

Jackson Blue has been on Boston airwaves for over 20 years. He is a foodie family person with a passion for having fun forever. Jackson likes to write about food, restaurants, Massachusetts and Boston happenings.

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