Andover Utility Rate Hikes On The Way: How You Can Lower Your Bills

ANDOVER, MA — The utilities that supply electricity and natural gas to Andover —National Grid and Eversource — both released statements on Wednesday warning of impending rate hikes and offering customers solutions to lower their bills this winter.

The rate hikes are being driven by the surge in the price of natural gas, which drives electricity costs.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been a major factor as sanctions imposed on Russia have reduced the global supply of natural gas, while global demand has remained high.

The war has only compounded a longstanding natural gas problem in New England: the region doesn't have enough gas pipelines to keep up with demand, according to the energy regulator ISO New England.

National Grid, Andover's energy supplier, normally switches from summer rates to the traditionally higher winter rates on Nov. 1. But this year's winter rates will be significantly higher than winter rates of the past, the company said.

"In total, the monthly bill of a typical residential electric customer using 600 kWh will increase from $179 in the winter 2021-2022 season, to approximately $293 for the winter 2022-2023 season, or a 64 percent increase," National Grid said in a statement.

As a result, National Grid has launched the Winter Customer Savings Initiative to help customers reduce their energy and save money, better manage their bills and secure available energy assistance.

"We want to do everything we can to help our customers manage through the months ahead through our Winter Customer Savings Initiative, while maintaining high levels of service to meet their energy needs this winter season," said Helen Burt, National Grid's chief customer officer.

Burt continued: "This includes informing customers that they can 'shop' or choose from different energy suppliers, in addition to taking advantage of energy saving programs, including those supported by Mass Save. We believe helping customers take more control over how and what energy they use creates a more equitable and affordable energy future."

Eversource, which supplies natural gas to Andover, said it is asking the state Department of Public Utilities to approve a new rate increase due to global natural gas shortages.

In addition to the natural gas supply rate, the company said expected increases to other portions of the bill are related to safely and reliably operating the gas system.

The company said the average residential customer in the former Columbia Gas service territory using 132 therms of gas per month will see an increase of approximately 25 percent or $61 on their natural gas bill per month over last winter.

Eversource provides resources to help customers better manage their energy use, save money and reduce their impact on the environment through a variety of energy efficiency programs. The company also offers a free home energy assessment, where it offers personalized recommendations for energy-saving products for the home.

Eversource said its Heating Cost Calculator is available to customers showing how colder weather impacts their bill and how small adjustments to their thermostat can lead to potential savings.

For income-eligible customers, Eversource also has additional money and energy-saving offers.

"Heating homes during the winter months in New England is a necessity and as global pressures drive up the price of natural gas worldwide, we want to help our customers plan ahead to manage their energy use and overall cost as best we can before the cold weather arrives," said Penni Conner, Eversource executive vice president for customer experience and energy strategy.

Conner continued: "We are here and ready to connect our customers with resources like energy efficiency solutions, payment assistance plans and other customer support programs that can help offset some of the effects of that rising global energy costs are having on everyone."