The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has ordered five major gas providers to reduce customer bills by at least 5% due to dramatic increases in gas and electricity bills, largely attributed to soaring supply costs and a harsh winter. Despite this, the agency cannot mandate reductions in delivery charges for February. With overwhelming feedback from customers showing nearly all experienced bill hikes, pressure from state officials aims to address these financial burdens on residents. Gas companies have until February 24 to propose adjustments for March 1 implementation.
"We have never, ever paid that much. It's completely ridiculous," one of more than 550 respondents said.
"While energy prices fluctuate, utility companies should not have free rein to impose unpredictable and excessive financial burdens on ratepayers," the letter said.
"My bill varies from around $200-300 normally, but the last two months my electric bill has gone up to $600. The bill doubled!" reader Michael from East Boston said.
The letter attributed the spike to the sharp increase in supply costs, high programming-related expenses being recovered through delivery charges, and a particularly cold winter.
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