Massachusetts gas bills to drop by 10% as energy companies respond to customer complaints

In Massachusetts, residents faced unexpectedly high gas bills in January and February of 2025, prompting the state's Department of Public Utilities to intervene. In response, Eversource and National Grid submitted proposals to reduce gas bills by 10% for the upcoming months of March and April. The DPU had previously ordered energy companies to cut gas rates by 5%, addressing the financial strain on customers caused by significant heating costs during the cold months. Both companies highlighted their commitment to providing relief, indicating that they devised this proposal to help alleviate the financial burden experienced by many households during this period. The proposals yielded specific savings estimates: Eversource projected a decrease of approximately 10.3%, equating to $33.75 for March, and 10.1%, equating to $19.71 for April. For National Grid customers, the anticipated reduction would be around $40 monthly. The efforts of both companies came amid growing concern from public officials, including Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who urged gas providers to act decisively to assist residents grappling with skyrocketing delivery fees. Moreover, Eversource and National Grid emphasized their flexibility by deferring the charges to off-peak months, suggesting that this adjustment could mitigate future financial impacts during warmer months. However, the companies also forecasted that this decrease might lead to an increase in monthly bills, estimated at $11 from May through October, as customers will eventually need to cover deferred costs over time. In addition to proposing these cuts, both companies offered various resources for customers to manage their bills more effectively. These resources included payment plans and financial assistance programs aimed at supporting families facing economic hardships. The backdrop to this initiative involved previous price hikes approved earlier by the DPU, which had permitted an 11 to 13% increase in delivery fees for customers, effectively increasing the already significant financial pressures faced by Massachusetts residents.