Massachusetts' energy picture is a complex one, the state depends on imported oil, sits at the end of two interstate natural gas pipelines, pays comparatively high energy bills and projects an electric capacity shortfall by the mid-1990s. The state, therefore, is seeking creative ways to acquire reliable, low-cost energy in a manner that is least degrading to the environment. Its strategy involves both demandside management and new supply sources. Conservation has been a hallmark of Massachusetts' demand-side strategy, for example, the state has sponsored low-income weatherization and commercial and industrial conservation and it leads the nation in setting minimum appliance efficiency standards. Electric utilities are required to integrate conservation and load-management options into their rate filings and long-range plans and to seek competitive bids to obtain new sources of power. On the supply side, natural gas is gaining in popularity, especially for generating electricity. However, pipeline capacity for delivering this gas is fully committed during peak winter periods. Natural-gas imports from Canada loom as a possibility, although it is too early to tell what role Canadian gas will play in the New England energy picture. -from Author