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Utilities File Proposed Winter Relief Discount Plans for Residential Customers
On January 23rd a joint utilities letter was sent to the Massachusetts DPU stating that in response the Healey-Driscoll Administration request that “we are proposing a targeted winter relief that would provide immediate assistance for residential electric and gas customers during the peak heating season.”
- For residential electric customers – the proposals will result in a 25 percent decrease in customer bills that reflect their usage in February and March. The 25 percent decrease will be comprised of a 15 percent credit to residential customers by the Commonwealth as a grant, and the remaining 10 percent will be deferred and collected from residential customers during April through December 2026.
- For residential gas customers – the proposals will result in a 10 percent decrease in customer bills that reflect their February and March usage, and if deferred, the deferral to be collected from residential customers in the off-peak season beginning May through October 2026.
“Because each is situated differently, the method by which the relief is effectuated will differ from Company to Company. Each gas and electric company will file proposals separately with the Department by Monday, January 26, 2026, for rates effective February 1, 2026.”
“Given the urgent need for relief during the remaining peak season months, the Companies respectfully urge the Department to approve these proposals by January 30, 2026, to allow adjustment in customer bills starting February 1, 2026.”
On January 26th each utility separately filed the respective rate relief proposals for the DPU’s approval.
(Petition for approval of its 2026 Targeted Residential Electric and Gas Winter Relief Proposal – National Grid)
(Petition for approval of its 2026 Targeted Residential Electric Winter Relief Proposal –NSTAR Electric)
(Petition for approval of its 2026 Targeted Residential Gas Winter Relief Proposal –NSTAR Gas)
(Petition for approval of its 2026 Targeted Residential Gas Winter Relief Proposal –-Eversource Gas Company)
(Petition for approval of its 2026 Targeted Residential Gas Winter Relief Proposal –Unitil electric and gas)
