Overview
- The Department of Public Utilities said the investigation will begin in the coming months and will scrutinize every delivery-line item on residential utility bills.
- Phase one will review rate designs to curb month-to-month bill swings, including an evaluation of net metering charges for near-term cost controls.
- Phase two will assess bill design for clearer disclosure and greater consistency while examining whether utilities met obligations for accurate and timely billing.
- Regulators will consider eliminating or consolidating fees, converting some charges to fixed amounts, and imposing caps on monthly increases.
- DPU leaders framed the effort as consumer protection following Governor Maura Healey’s October request for a charge-by-charge review in a state with among the highest electricity rates.