A grassroots movement has emerged in Massachusetts, driven by public dissatisfaction with Eversource’s recent rate hikes and delivery increases. The movement, led by Elijah DeSousa of New Bedford, aims to reverse the hikes through legislative and legal actions.
DeSousa created a Facebook group, Citizens Against Eversource, which has gained over 15,000 followers in two weeks. He noticed a trend of people posting their high energy bills on social media and decided to take action. DeSousa has also generated a petition to halt and reverse Eversource’s rate hikes, including an emergency injunction to stop the Nov 1, 2024 charge increases.
The Department of Utilities approved natural gas rate hikes, which will increase the bills of about 500,000 Eversource customers by 25-30%. However, DeSousa says his own bill has increased by 100% in just two months, despite keeping his thermostat at a consistent level. He believes Eversource’s explanation for the price hikes is misleading and insults the intelligence of consumers.
The group’s long-range goal is to put a ballot measure before Massachusetts voters that would protect consumers from rising energy costs. Several senators have also expressed concern about the fairness and necessity of the rate increases, urging the Department of Public Utilities to review them immediately.
Eversource has hosted virtual information sessions for customers to learn about assistance programs and payment plans available. However, DeSousa remains skeptical of the company’s explanation and is committed to fighting against the rate hikes through various means.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/citizen-led-petition-takes-aim-023350929.html