Concerns About Billing Errors, Costs Prompt Investigation Of MA Energy Bills

MASSACHUSETTS — The state Department of Public Utilities is investigating all delivery charges on electric and gas utility bills amid the rising and volatile energy prices of recent winters.

The state DPU said the probe is in response to Gov. Maura Healey's call to utility companies in October to "review each and every charge that customers are currently paying to determine whether the charge can be eliminated, reduced, or its impact mitigated."

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The DPU said it also plans to examine current utility billing practices and errors, and "utilities' performance in meeting their obligations to provide their customers with accurate, transparent, and timely bills."

The DPU said it will evaluate whether certain charges should be eliminated, consolidated, or redesigned as a fixed charge. The investigation will also review whether to establish maximum limits on how much specific charges can increase from month to month.

"I came to the DPU with the intent to better protect ratepayers and help manage energy costs," said Commissioner Liz Anderson. "As the commissioner leading this investigation, I look forward to tackling these critical issues head-on and working to make a difference for ratepayers across Massachusetts."

Commissioner Staci Rubin said the investigation is part of the DPU's efforts to be "more transparent, equitable and innovative."

The delivery portion of a utility bill includes a fixed customer charge, the base distribution rate, and rates that allow utilities to recover costs required by state and federal policies, and costs necessary to maintain safe and reliable infrastructure.

The DPU said its investigation includes a complete review of all components on the delivery portion of both electric and gas utility bills.

The second phase of the investigation will launch an inquiry into utility bill design, aiming to increase transparency for ratepayers when they receive their bills and create more consistency across companies.

The DPU said the investigation will begin in the coming months.

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