Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Massachusetts Regulators Block Eversource NSTAR Winter Gas Rate Hike, Citing Performance Shortfalls

The order applies the DPU’s scorecard after NSTAR missed three of 18 metrics.

Overview

  • The ruling prevents a roughly 12% increase in NSTAR’s delivery charge and is projected to save customers about $45 million this year.
  • The decision covers about 303,000 customers in 51 communities previously served by NSTAR, and Eversource must submit revised plans to regulators.
  • Eversource criticized the ruling as puzzling and warned it may pursue a full rate case with larger impacts if smaller annual adjustments are denied.
  • Regulators have not yet decided on Eversource Gas of Massachusetts, where the company sought up to a 17% increase, or on National Grid’s proposed delivery reductions.
  • National Grid says higher gas commodity prices would largely offset its proposed delivery cut, and Eversource has projected increased gas costs that could push overall bills higher.