Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell's office has urged the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to provide immediate rate relief for consumers facing high energy costs this winter. AG Campbell emphasized the need for both short-term and long-term solutions to alleviate financial burdens on families.
“Unexpectedly high costs have torn into family budgets this winter, and the DPU must work with the utility companies to provide immediate relief for consumers. Yet that will not be enough, and our residents need longer term relief,” said AG Campbell. “I look forward to working with the DPU, the utilities, and my partners in state government to address these challenges.”
On February 20, in response to rising energy bills, the DPU instructed gas companies to lower customer bills for March and April while deferring costs until off-peak seasons. The following day, AG Campbell requested that utility companies refrain from charging interest on deferred payments.
While four gas companies agreed not to charge interest on deferred costs, National Grid and Berkshire Gas did not comply. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) strongly urged these companies to reconsider their stance. AGO's comments also criticized all gas company plans as insufficient in reducing ratepayer burdens.
The comments further encouraged clarity from gas companies regarding their immediate rate relief plans. The AGO asked the DPU to require detailed bill impact filings for winter months and projected impacts during off-peak seasons.
Despite improvements in promoting financial assistance programs by utility companies, AGO noted these efforts were inadequate against escalating bills. It called for increased communication about payment plan availability and extended plan durations.
The AGO commended the DPU for extending a winter shut-off moratorium until April 1, 2025. This move protects households experiencing financial hardship from losing services due to unpaid bills amid unprecedented rate increases.
Consumers struggling with utility payments are advised to contact their providers about available assistance options like extended payment plans or budget billing. More information is accessible through AGO resources such as FAQs about Electric and Gas Utilities and a Winter Energy Assistance flier.
AG Campbell serves as Massachusetts' statutory ratepayer advocate through her Energy and Ratepayer Advocacy Division, focusing on cost-effective clean energy transitions while advocating before the DPU against high ratepayer costs.