Eversource Seeks 43% Electric Rate Increase In Eastern MA

BOSTON, MA — One of the largest electricity providers in eastern Massachusetts has notified state regulators about its intention to increase rates by more than 40 percent starting in the new year.

In its filing, Eversource said it would increase supply rates about 43 percent for 1.4 million Massachusetts customers in a wide area from Provincetown to Boston to much of the MetroWest area. The state Department of Public Utilities would have to approve the rate increase request before it goes into effect Jan. 1.

"As has been widely reported, energy costs continue to rise globally, with regional electric supply prices reaching all-time highs this year due to increased global demand for and the high cost of natural gas, world events, extreme weather, and other issues," the company said in a news release.

The increase is the latest in a wave of utility hikes facing New Englanders as the core winter heating season approaches.

Eversource wants to boost its natural rates as much as 38 percent per month for the average customer starting in the new year. National Grid last month doubled its electricity supply rate from last winter's 14.82 cents per kilowatt-hour rate to 33.89 cents this winter.

Eversource's proposed electric rate increase could mean an additional $47 or more per bill for the average user. The utility is also seeking a similar rate increase for customers in western Massachuetts.

Although Eversource and National Grid have near total control over electricity delivery, residents can sign up for municipal aggregation programs that offer cheaper supply rates. Some cities and towns in Massachusetts operate their own electric utilities, and aren't subject to private utility increases.