Utility Prices In MA Soared Over Winter As Gasoline Prices Fell: BLS

MASSACHUSETTS — Many Massachusetts utility customers weathered some of the highest natural gas and electric rate increases in recent memory over the winter heating season, according to new data from the federal government.

According to new U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, energy prices dropped nearly 6 percent in the Boston metropolitan area between April 2022 and April 2023 — but that's only because gasoline prices fell 14 percent over those 12 months. A gallon one year ago cost $4.22, but today the statewide average is about $3.60.

The per-therm price of natural gas rose 41 percent during that same period, and per-kilowatt hour electricity prices rose 107 percent, according to the data.

Those utility increases came thanks to rate increases brought by the state's biggest utility providers: Eversource and National Grid.

National Grid increased its electricity delivery rate from last winter's 14.82 cents per kilowatt-hour rate to 33.89 cents this winter.

Eversource boosted natural gas rates 38 percent in November followed by a 43 percent electric rate increase in January. The state Department of Public Utilities later ordered a 10 percent cut in natural gas rates in March after fear of a supply crunch didn't fully materialize.

For summer, National Grid on May 1 lowered electric rates from 33.89 cents per kWh to 14.12 cents per kWh. The state's natural gas suppliers have also lowered rates for summer.