Local News
Customers could see their home-heating gas bills increase by an average of $41 per month this winter.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey slammed a proposed rate increase for Eversource customers, telling a local news outlet the higher costs are unaffordable.
Under the proposal, filed Thursday with the state Department of Public Utilities (DPU), Eversource customers’ home-heating gas bills could rise by 13 percent this winter compared to last year.
“It’s outrageous. People can’t afford it. It’s way too high,” Healey told Boston 25. “So, I’m going to be urging DPU to really scrutinize this proposal. But people can’t afford this.”
In a press release, Eversource said its customers use an average of 126 therms of gas each month. At that level, bills will rise by about $41.26, or 13 percent, compared to last year. The utility company attributed most of the rate hike to maintenance and infrastructure costs.
“We work diligently to keep the maintenance and infrastructure costs we can control as low as possible, but the cost of this work is not optional — because heating our homes during a New England winter isn’t a choice,” said Eversource President of Gas Distribution Kevin Kelley.
Eversource serves roughly 640,000 gas customers in Massachusetts. The winter rate adjustments are due to start on Nov. 1.
“Last winter was the coldest we’ve seen in recent years, driving significantly increased gas usage that — when coupled with the regular Nov. 1 peak season rate adjustments — led to higher-than-normal bills and a renewed focus on affordability in Massachusetts,” said Kelley. “While we all hope for a milder season, the weather is not something any of us can control or predict.”
The utility company said customers can enroll in one of its payment plans or assistance programs to help with their energy bill costs. Customers can call 866-861-6225 (NSTAR) or 800-688-6160 (EGMA), or enroll online.
Healey told Boston 25 that she hopes the DPU will shut down the company’s proposal.
“I’m trying to do everything I can to drive down people’s energy bills. That’s why I did the rebates earlier, the discounts earlier. It’s why we pushed hard on the utilities,” Gov. Healey said. “It’s why I filed legislation that I hope passes that will lower energy bills here in the state.”
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