Electric Customers Get Tips to Deal With 37% Rate Hike

By Robert Gates (Patch Staff)

National Grid is offering its electric customers tips for handling a 37 percent increase in their bills this winter, starting Nov. 1.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities recently approved a hike in electric supply prices starting Nov. 1 and running through April 30.

There are 12,601 National Grid electric customers in Milford.

Starting in November, residential electric customers using 500 kilowatt hours per month will see an electric bill that is 37 percent higher than last winter. That will average about $33 per month for the average bill.

“We asked for this increase because of higher energy supply prices,” National Grid said in its message to customers. “Energy supply prices are set by the commodity market, not National Grid. When we purchase energy on your behalf, we pass on those costs directly without a markup.”

National Grid said it is “very concerned about what these higher energy costs mean for our customers.”

The company said that it can help customers with the higher bills and has “various solutions” to help lower the bill or help pay for a higher bill.

“We know how concerning this may be for customers and we encourage you to take advantage of these programs during this very difficult time,” the company said.

Among the options:

• Payment Options: A Budget Plan lets customers spread out the high winter bills over the course of a year.
• Payment Assistance: Consumer advocacy programs can help low-income eligible customers pay their bill.
• Energy Efficiency: There are a range of ways to reduce energy use, from simple no-cost change to more comprehensive programs.

To find out more about the options from National Grid, visit the company’s website.