Massachusetts’ Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has ordered six gas utilities in the state to slash delivery fees, aiming to reduce average customer bills by at least 5% over the next two months.
The decision comes after concerns from Governor Maura Healey’s office about the recent spike in natural gas utility rates, which have caused financial strain on Massachusetts residents. The DPU cited “unsustainable” current gas prices and emphasized the need for immediate relief to consumers.
However, others argue that the 5% reduction is insufficient. A spokesperson for Gov. Healey wrote that the utilities need to go further to provide relief to households struggling with high heating bills.
The order requires utilities to collect deferred costs when weather warms up and gas bills decrease. National Grid and Eversource Gas Company of Massachusetts have already increased delivery rates in the fall to cover state-mandated programs, including Mass Save, a program that helps households conserve energy.
In response to the DPU’s decision, Larry Chretien, executive director of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, said it “makes sense” and acknowledged that there are other ways the state could fund Mass Save without relying on ratepayer charges. The Department of Public Utilities is currently reviewing the 2025-2027 plan for Mass Save, which aims to reduce climate pollution by incentivizing residents to switch from gas or oil heating to electric heat pumps.
Source: https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/02/20/massachusetts-natural-gas-bills-eversource-natoinal-grid-rate-relief