BOSTON – 2/2/2023) As a result of recent market changes in the price of natural gas, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) today announced that they have approved a reduction in gas supply rates for many Massachusetts residents.
Customers served by the Berkshire Gas Company, Liberty Utilities, Fitchburg Gas and Unitil, National Grid, and Eversource Energy can expect to see a decrease of roughly 4-5% in their monthly bill beginning on February 1st.
In October, Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) joined forces with more than 90 colleagues on a bi-partisan letter to DPU urging them to reject the then-proposed winter energy rates. In January, with market prices of oil falling, Senator Velis joined legislators on another letter to DPU urging them to reconsider the rate of oil and continue to explore all avenues of relief for residents.
“After multiple letters to DPU regarding these energy rates, I am glad to see that the Department has approved this reduction and that these savings will be passed on to customers throughout Western Massachusetts,” said Senator Velis. “I continue to hear from folks throughout our communities about the high utility bills they’re struggling with. These market-changes present an opportunity to provide some assistance to folks and I am grateful that the DPU has acted on them quickly. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Healey-Driscoll Administration to pursue all possible relief opportunities for residents during these winter months.”
According to DPU, customers will begin to see these rate changes in their March bills. Senator Velis noted that additional financial programs are available to residents struggling with utility bills and that his office is available to connect people with resources.
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