Residents in Massachusetts Struggle with Rising Gas Bills

News Summary

Massachusetts residents are facing steep increases in gas bills, driven by rising delivery fees and recent rate hikes approved by the Department of Public Utilities. Many households report bills climbing significantly, with some exceeding $800. Grassroots movements, like the Facebook group ‘Citizens Against Eversource,’ reflect frustration over these charges. Governor Maura Healey is advocating for measures to alleviate the burden, while lawmakers are urging scrutiny of pricing structures. Community engagement has surged as residents demand fairness in utility rates amidst escalating costs.

Massachusetts Residents Face Soaring Gas Bills

In Massachusetts, a wave of frustration is sweeping through households as gas bills soar to unprecedented heights. Reports indicate that many residents are paying significantly more for their gas. For some, like local resident Elijah Desousa, this issue has become a personal crusade. Desousa’s gas bill reportedly doubled over just two months, leaving him and countless others scratching their heads and questioning what is going on.

Delivery Fees Drive Up Costs

One of the main culprits behind these rising bills is the delivery fee, which is a substantial part of utility charges. As residents dig deeper into their statements, it’s evident that these fees contribute to the bulk of their monthly expenses. On average, delivery charges can reach around $240, while the supply costs are comparatively lower. In fact, the average delivery cost is double that of the gas supply itself. With the delivery fees rising sharply, the situation is leaving many in economic distress.

Approved Rate Hikes Impact Millions

As of November 1, the Department of Public Utilities approved winter price hikes for gas companies, pushing many residents deeper into financial strain. National Grid has upped its rates by around 11% to 13%, while Eversource customers are facing even steeper increases of 25% to 30%. While the supply costs have only seen a slight increase from last year, they are still lower than what was seen two years prior. Many households are feeling the pinch, with reports of some bills skyrocketing to over $800.

A Grassroots Response

In response to the soaring costs, Elijah Desousa took it upon himself to create a Facebook group titled “Citizens Against Eversource.” The group has ballooned to nearly 20,000 members, many of whom share their own stories of hardship caused by increasing gas prices. Desousa reports a constant influx of messages from followers echoing similar experiences, signalling a clear community outcry for action.

Infrastructure Costs and Energy Programs

Eversource has noted that a significant portion of the delivery charge is dedicated to maintaining infrastructure, such as underground gas lines. Interestingly, these delivery charges also fund the Mass Save program, which incentivizes energy efficiency improvements for homes across the state. Unfortunately, even clients who don’t use this program are still contributing to its costs, averaging about $80 per month per customer. Over the last year, this amount has seen a staggering increase of 92%.

Government Leaders Take Notice

Recognizing the burden on constituents, Governor Maura Healey has urged the Department of Public Utilities and gas companies to explore options that might alleviate these growing costs. While she supports the Mass Save initiative, she clarified that it is not the primary driver of the current rate increases. Healey has proposed an ambitious plan of spending $5 billion on green initiatives under the Mass Save program over the next three years.

Calls for Accountability

The financial strain has prompted a group of 80 Massachusetts lawmakers to express their concerns regarding the rising energy costs and their impact on families. They have made a strong push for the DPU to scrutinize Eversource’s pricing structure closely and hold them accountable for the dramatic hikes in costs.

Future Adjustments and Community Engagement

Eversource has stated that rate increases are primarily a result of fluctuating natural gas prices, increased usage due to colder weather, and necessary safety investments. Although a commissioner from the Department of Public Utilities canceled a planned interview, adjustments to rates are expected to be addressed soon. To further engage with customers and answer their questions about heating bills and available assistance programs, Eversource plans to conduct webinars.

With rising bills and growing frustration, Massachusetts residents are calling for immediate action to prevent further financial hardship and ensure fair utility rates moving forward.

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