The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will host a series of public hearings this month in response to National Grid’s recent petition to increase electric rates in Massachusetts.
National Grid, the Commonwealth’s largest electric utility, is looking to increase the rates that Massachusetts customers pay for electricity. The company, comprised of Massachusetts Electric Company and Nantucket Electric Company, filed a petition with DPU this May for a $111 million increase in electric rates. For residential customers, this is an 18% increase in distribution rates (5.5% for total bill). National Grid is requesting the DPU provide this increase as of January 1, 2010.
The purpose of DPU’s rate-setting hearings is to solicit comments from the public about the National Grid petition. The hearings are an ideal way for you to assure that your opinions on the rate changes are heard. The hearings will take place in the following Massachusetts communities:
- Nantucket – July 7, Nantucket High School, 7:00 p.m.
- Worcester – July 8, Worcester Public Library, 6:00 p.m.
- Andover ‐ July 9, Andover Town House, 6:00 p.m.
- Quincy – July 14, Quincy City Hall, 7:00 p.m.
- North Adams – July 15, North Adams City Hall, 7:00 p.m.
If you would like to comment on the proposed rate changes, but are unable to attend a hearing, you may also file written comments anytime before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 (instructions are available on the Submitting Comments section of the AGO website).
For more information about the proposed rate increases, and for instructions to access National Grid’s full petition, visit the National Grid Petition section of the AGO website.
Comments