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Intervenors filed initial briefs (3/22/24). Of note: (1) Attorney General argued that “FG&E already has the highest utility rates compared to its neighboring Massachusetts EDCs and LDCs,” and “Consequently, any rate increase approved by the Department will simply exacerbate an already overwhelming problem faced by many FG&E ratepayers”; (2) DOER recommended DPU “approve the proposed increase in the electric customer charge”; (3) DOER recommended DPU reject the proposed increase in the low-income discount rate and instead require the Company to propose a multi-tiered discount rate; (4) DOER recommended DPU “require a case study for a targeted electrification pilot program”; and (5) DOER recommended approving Unitil’s proposed electric residential heat pump rate structure, but recommended DPU: (i) modify the “rate design to support electrification and the commensurate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions”; (ii) “require the Company to report on key metrics associated with the uptake of this new rate design”; (ii) “direct the Company to conduct robust marketing, education, and outreach”; and (iv) “monitor the impact of the new rate and, as necessary, modify the rate offering in the Company’s annual reconciliation filing.”

Unitil initial brief due by 4/8/24; intervenor reply briefs due by 4/23/24.
Unitil reply brief due by 4/30/24.

23-80  (09/17/2023)
(Petition of Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company d/b/a Unitil (Electric Division), pursuant to G.L. c. 164, § 94 and 220 CMR 5.00, for Approval of a General Increase in Base Distribution Rates for Electric Service and a Performance-Based Ratemaking Plan.)