Overview

• Gov. Maura Healey asked the Department of Public Utilities to conduct a line‑by‑line review of gas and electric bills to remove or reduce charges that lack a clear customer benefit.
• The DPU said it appreciates the letter and is reviewing it, but it has not committed to the comprehensive examination Healey is seeking.
• Utilities have filed winter gas rate proposals that could raise monthly bills by about 4% for National Grid customers and up to 17% for Eversource, with Liberty seeking even larger increases in some service areas; rulings are due before Nov. 1.
• Eversource and other utilities say much of the pressure comes from infrastructure and maintenance costs, while Healey wants regulators to intensify scrutiny of rising distribution charges.
• Healey also urged quicker interconnection for new solar projects so residents can claim a federal residential clean‑energy tax credit before it expires, and she pointed to pending legislation that would mandate DPU bill reviews and cap month‑to‑month increases.