Overview
- Gov. Maura Healey asked the Department of Public Utilities to examine each line item on gas and electric bills and remove or reduce charges that lack a clear customer benefit.
- The DPU said it appreciates the letter and is reviewing it, but offered no commitment to the comprehensive audit or timeline for action.
- Utilities have filed winter gas rate proposals ranging from roughly 4% at National Grid to as much as 17% at Eversource, with decisions due before Nov. 1.
- Eversource said much of its requested increase covers maintenance and infrastructure, estimating an average household bill would rise about $41, or roughly 13%, if approved.
- Healey also pressed for faster solar interconnections with a target of about 900 megawatts online within a year, and she is backing legislation to require DPU reviews of all charges, cap month-to-month bill spikes, and expand financing tools.