As lawmakers search for ways to bring down utility bills, National Grid is newly proposing rate increases.
A spokesman for the utility giant said Thursday, Dec. 18, that it wants an additional $24 per month on average from Greater Boston and Central Massachusetts customers in its Boston Gas territory. Cape Cod and Merrimack Valley customers in National Grid’s Colonial Gas territory could see bills rise by $25 per month.
The proposed increases of 8.4% in the Boston Gas territory and 9.4% for Colonial Gas customers stand to push already high winter bills even higher.
“National Grid’s top priority is delivering energy safely, reliably and affordably to our customers,” National Grid spokesman Brendan Moss said. “Natural gas plays an essential role in Massachusetts’ all-of-the-above energy strategy, providing a reliable foundation for economic growth, job creation, community safety and emergency preparedness. An all-of-the-above energy mix can help meet rising demand and keep customer bills affordable.”
Moss said the company will propose measures “to keep bills more affordable and predictable, such as greater bill stability throughout the year and expanded discount rates for income-eligible households,” but also plans to ask regulators “to support essential investments in system safety and reliability.”
“This approach safeguards communities during extreme weather, meets growing energy demands and maintains affordability, ensuring all customers, including essential services like hospitals, schools and first responders, remain fully operational when it matters most,” Moss said.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities on Monday, Dec. 15 opened an investigation into all delivery charges on electric and gas bills in Massachusetts, as residents and businesses cope with rising energy bills that are contributing to a higher cost of living.
“I came to the DPU with the intent to better protect ratepayers and help manage energy costs,” DPU Commissioner Liz Anderson said. “As the commissioner leading this investigation, I look forward to tackling these critical issues head-on and working to make a difference for ratepayers across Massachusetts.”
